Sports Injury Physiotherapy in Adelaide
Whether you play weekend footy, elite netball, or you're just ramping up your running mileage, sports injuries can stall your goals—fast. At Saunders Physiotherapy, Adelaide CBD (Gilles St), our sports physios provide rapid, evidence-backed care for everything from a painful "corky" to complex post-surgical rehab. Same-day and after-hours bookings are available so you can get back on the park quickly.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
Back and neck pain
Quadriceps corky
Hamstring strains
Calf tears
Ankle sprains & ligament tears
ACL/MCL injuries
Rotator-cuff & shoulder impingement
Tennis elbow
Achilles tendonitis
Shin splints
Stress fractures
Groin pain (osteitis pubis)
Hip & knee osteoarthritis
Lumbo-pelvic stability
Concussion management
Allied services: Dry needling, remedial massage, strength & conditioning, clinical Pilates, bracing/taping, biomechanical video analysis, exercise-based rehabilitation programs.
What to Expect During Treatment
Assessment & Diagnosis
- In-depth history + physical exam, real-time ultrasound or EMG if indicated.
- Objective strength & flexibility measures to grade your injury.
- Communication with your GP / sports doctor when needed.
Hands-On Therapy
Manual joint mobilisation, soft-tissue release, dry needling, cupping or positional-release as clinically appropriate. Early aggressive massage is avoided for fresh corky injuries as it can delay healing.
Rehab & Performance
- Individualised exercise program provided to you.
- Progressive return-to-sport plan focusing on strength, neuromuscular control & sport-specific conditioning.
- Injury-prevention screening before full clearance.
Why Choose Saunders Physiotherapy?
| Feature | Benefit for you |
|---|---|
| CBD location (Gilles St) | Walk or ride from work/uni, tram & bus at the door. |
| Online booking & same-day appointments | Immediate care when every training session matters. |
| Extended hours (Mon-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu 8am-6:30pm, Fri 8am-5pm) | Rehab that fits your schedule. |
| One-team allied health | Massage therapists, strength coaches & sports physios under one roof for seamless care. |
| Sports-qualified physios | Post-grad Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy / Masters graduates with SANFL & premier-league experience. |
| Manual Therapy Experts | Hands-on treatment techniques to accelerate recovery and reduce pain fast. |
| World-Renowned Experience | Access to therapists recognised internationally for excellence in sports physiotherapy. |
| Patient-centred approach | Straight-talk communication, shared decision-making, clear goals, written treatment plan. |
"Corky injuries can sideline AFL players for multiple weeks; early professional management halves that risk."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports physio covered by Medicare?
You may be eligible for up to five subsidised sessions per year under an EPC plan—ask your GP for a referral. Learn more about free physio sessions.
How long does a corky take to heal?
Mild contusions settle in 7–10 days; deeper muscle haematomas can take 3–6 weeks. Correct load management and graduated rehab accelerate recovery. Read more about treating a corky injury.
Do I need a referral?
No—physiotherapists are primary-contact practitioners in Australia. Book directly online.
What should I wear/bring?
Athletic shorts, running shoes, imaging reports (if any), and your private-health card.