Netball and basketball place high physical demands on participants of these fast-paced, dynamic sports. Both sports involve repetitive jumping, cutting, and lateral movements, placing specific stresses on joints and muscles.

Here are a few ways in which we can help netball and basketball athletes:

Injury Prevention:

• Biomechanical Analysis: Analyse movement patterns to identify any biomechanical issues or imbalances that may contribute to injury risk.
• Strength and Conditioning: Develop personalised strength and conditioning programs to enhance muscle strength, stability, and prevent overuse injuries.
• Dynamic Warm-ups: Design dynamic warm-up routines to prepare the body for the rapid movements and changes in direction in both sports.

Rehabilitation:

• Injury Assessment and Diagnosis: Promptly assess and diagnose injuries, such as ankle sprains, knee injuries, and muscle strains.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: Prescribe exercises to rehabilitate and strengthen affected areas, ensuring a safe return to play.
• Sport-Specific Rehabilitation: Tailor rehabilitation programs to the specific demands of netball and basketball movements.

Lower Body Conditioning:

• Balance and Proprioception: Improve lower body balance and proprioception to support agility and reduce the risk of ankle sprains and knee injuries.
• Leg Strength: Develop leg strength to enhance power for jumping and provide stability during lateral movements.

Core Stability:

• Core Strengthening: Emphasise core stability exercises to enhance overall body control, posture, and reduce the risk of lower back injuries.
• Hip Strength: Work on hip strength to support stability during lateral movements and changes in direction.

Shoulder and Arm Care:

• Rotator Cuff Strengthening: Implement exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, especially in basketball, where overhead movements are common.
• Scapular Stability: Address scapular stability to improve shoulder mechanics during shooting and passing.

Cardiovascular Conditioning:

• Aerobic Fitness Programs: Design cardiovascular conditioning programs to support endurance during games and practices.
• Interval Training: Include interval training to mimic the intermittent bursts of activity in netball and basketball.

Manual Therapy:

• Massage and Soft Tissue Techniques
• Joint Mobilisation
• Dry Needling
• Myofascial Cupping
• Myofascial Release
• Trigger Point Release

Jumping Mechanics:

• Jumping Technique Analysis: Evaluate and correct jumping mechanics to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
• Plyometric Training: Integrate appropriate plyometric exercises to improve power and reduce impact stress on joints during jumping.

Education:

• Injury Prevention Education: Educate players on proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, injury prevention strategies, and self-care practices.
• Nutritional Guidance: Provide guidance on nutrition to support energy levels, recovery, and overall health.