Physiotherapy for gym injuries is one of our most sought-after services, which is not surprising given that we’re located right next door to a busy gym!
Sore shoulders, knees, and lower backs are all common complaints seen by Nicole Peavey and Ryan Yang, two of the expert physios at our clinic. Nicole’s experience as a championship-level dancer and Victorian Callisthenics representative provides her with a unique understanding of movement and performance. It’s this combination of her personal knowledge and clinical expertise that helps her clients recover quickly from their injuries.
Ryan has an extensive strength and conditioning background and years of experience helping powerlifters, Crossfit/Hyrox athletes and everyday gym goers.
Here are five of the most common gym injuries that we treat at our Newport clinic, along with tips on how to avoid them.
Lower Back Strain
Lower back strain often develops from poor lifting techniques or increasing the weight too quickly, which can lead to irritation of the joint or disc problems over time.
To reduce your risk:
- Learn proper lifting techniques with a qualified trainer.
- Engage your core before each lift.
- Build strength gradually rather than rushing your progress.
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder’s wide range of motion makes it vulnerable to strains, particularly during overhead or bench presses. Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff irritation, and bursitis are all common gym injuries linked to poor posture or muscle imbalances.
To reduce your risk:
- Focus on controlled movement rather than heavy loads.
- Strengthen your rotator cuff and scapular muscles.
- Warm up thoroughly before upper-body sessions.
Knee Injuries
Knee pain is another of the most common gym injuries, Nicole treats at our clinic, often resulting from poor alignment, limited hip or ankle stability, or repetitive movements such as squatting and jumping that place excess stress on the joint.
To reduce your risk:
- Ensure your knees track directly over your toes during squats and lunges.
- Strengthen your glutes and quadriceps for joint stability.
- Avoid sudden increases in intensity or load.
Shin Splints
Shin splints often develop when you’re beginning new cardio or high-impact training, as sudden increases in intensity, poor footwear, or hard surfaces can cause inflammation along the shinbone.
To reduce your risk:
- Wear supportive shoes suited to your foot type.
- Increase running or jumping reps gradually.
- Incorporate calf and ankle strengthening into your routine.
Elbow and Tendon Injuries
Overuse injuries such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow often result from repetitive gripping or lifting with poor wrist alignment. They’re one of the common gym injuries that usually develop slowly but can linger if ignored.
To reduce your risk:
- Check your grip technique during weight training.
- Vary your exercises and equipment.
- Stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles regularly.
- Keeping Your Training on Track
Injury prevention is all about finding balance and pushing your limits while listening to your body. If pain lingers or doesn’t settle quickly, it’s a sign to pause and pivot rather than push on through. It’s also an indication that you should visit Nicole, our resident expert on physiotherapy for gym injuries, as she can identify the cause, speed up your recovery and help you avoid it happening again.
Whether you’ve experienced one of these five common gym injuries or simply want to reduce your risk of injuries, our doors are open; we’re literally right next to your gym! Together, we’ll help you move better, recover faster, and stay active for longer.
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Call our team on 07 3880 1649 or Book online today.