Football is a high-intensity sport that places constant physical demands on players. While many athletes push through minor aches and pains (“niggles”), new research suggests that these small complaints significantly increase the risk of a serious injury within the following week.
At The Physio Crew, we specialise in football injury prevention and rehabilitation in Tullamarine and Carlton, helping semi-professional and amateur footballers stay strong, agile, and injury-free. We are proud to be affiliated with Keilor Park Soccer Club and Upfield Soccer Club.
If you’re a footballer experiencing persistent muscle soreness, knee discomfort, or tight hamstrings, addressing these issues early could save you weeks or months of time lost due to injury.
A recent study examined 218 semi-professional footballers. Players were required to self-report physical complaints (such as soreness, tightness, or discomfort) via a questionnaire.
Key Findings:
- Footballers who reported a physical complaint had a 2.8 to 5.9 times higher risk of injury in the following week.
- Self-reported injuries were much higher than officially recorded time-loss injuries, raising concerns about whether current injury tracking in football is effective.
- 90% of hamstring injuries had a warning sign (a non-time loss complaint in the same area) before they became serious.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Muscle tightness, soreness, or mild pain is often a precursor to injury.
- Ignoring these niggles can lead to hamstring tears, ACL injuries, and long-term issues.
- Early intervention with physiotherapy can dramatically reduce injury risk.
I will write a follow up blog on common Football injuries and how Physiotherapy Helps reduce risk of soccer injuries.
Football pre-season is well and truly here and most football teams in Carlton and Tullamarine are gearing up for practice games and the start of the season. If you are experiencing muscle tightness, hamstring pain, general soreness or niggles please book in with one of our expert physiotherapist to assist you in reducing risk of injury and playing the full season.
Tullamarine – 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine – 9116 8691
Carlton – 2/221 Drummond Steet, Carlton – 9116 8693
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