Football and netball finals are almost upon us. It is an exciting 4 weeks for those players and teams who have performed well enough to earn the right to play in September. Of course, this doesn’t come without sacrifice and in many instances injury and pain. In this blog we look at how utilising our Colac Physiotherapist Grant Brauer can assist not only with injury management but also in optimising peak performance.
Grant has 13 years of experience helping Colac and district athlete’s manage their injuries and maintain peak performance. Grant has completed post-graduate studies in Sports Physiotherapy making him the ideal person to see during this season’s finals campaign.
Optimising Physical Preparation and Performance
Tailored Training Programs
Grant has worked with local footballers and netballers for over a decade. His experience allows him to work closely with athletes to design individualised training programs that address their specific needs. For football and netball players, this might include strengthening key muscle groups, improving joint stability, and enhancing agility. It may also mean identifying if an athlete needs to adjust their training load during the last few weeks of the season in order to freshen up and hit peak performance when it matters most.
Enhancing Flexibility and Mobility
Flexibility is essential for preventing injuries and improving overall performance. Physiotherapists use techniques like stretching, myofascial release, and mobility exercises to ensure that athletes maintain a full range of motion.
Improving Technique and Efficiency
Grant has a strong background in analysing movement patterns and biomechanics to help athletes refine their techniques and ensure efficiency of performance. We have gym space with room to move on site to assess you appropriately.
Injury Prevention
Pre-Game Assessments
Physiotherapists conduct thorough pre-game assessments, sometimes referred to as “Fitness Tests” to identify any potential issues that could lead to injuries. This can allow the athlete to explore strategies that they might employ to continue playing with the lowest possible risk.
Prevention Strategies
Taping and bracing techniques can protect joints that have been injured previously or might be considered vulnerable going into a high intensity game. Warm-ups designed by Physiotherapists can help players manage specific injuries by providing specific exercises to have their body prepared for the game ahead.
Injury Management
Early assessment
During finals, the intensity of the game increases the risk of injuries. Early assessment on either the Monday or the Tuesday post match then leads to early intervention. Quick and effective treatment maximises the injured player’s opportunity to return to the field at a later stage during the finals.
Recovery Techniques
Techniques such as massage, stretching, and joint mobilisation are used to aid in recovery and reduce soreness. Our Colac Physiotherapist Grant Brauer has gained a reputation over many years for his willingness and expertise at utilising “hands on” techniques to aid with recovery.
Rehabilitation Programs
If injuries occur, Grant can design a personalised rehabilitation program to aid recovery and help players return to the field or court as quickly and safely as possible. These programs often include exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and functional movement, along with strategies to prevent future injuries.
The Big Picture
An injury for any athlete leading up to or during finals can be very stressful and incredibly disappointing. Our Colac Physiotherapist Grant Brauer understands that injured footballers and netballers are not only athletes, but also have important roles and responsibilities off the field. The injury sustained on the field not only impacts on your ability to play, but also your ability to function off the field within the community. After speaking to Grant you will have knowledge of how your injury will affect your ability to play, how it might affect your ability to work and also the potential longer term consequences in the event that you re-injure yourself. This will allow you to make the best decisions during the rest of the finals series regarding your overall health and well being.
Don’t let soreness or injuries prevent you from achieving your finals netball or football goals. Make an appointment with our experienced Physiotherapist by contacting us at Prosper Health Group Colac on (03) 5290 5238. Alternatively you can book online.
