5 Signs You Should See a Physio Before Returning to Sport

Mount Waverley Sports Physiotherapy at Leap Healthcare

After an injury, it can be tempting to jump back into training the moment you feel better. But returning to sport too soon — without a complete recovery — can increase your risk of a more serious injury.

At Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley, our expert physiotherapists work with athletes and active individuals to ensure a safe, confident return to sport. Before you lace up your runners, check for these five key signs that your body might not be fully ready.

1. Lingering Swelling

Swelling is your body’s natural response to injury, signalling that healing is still in progress. Even if the pain has eased, ongoing swelling may mean that tissue damage or inflammation is still present. It can reduce joint mobility, affect muscle control and limit performance.

If swelling lasts more than a few days, it’s time to see a physiotherapist for a professional assessment and recovery plan.

2. Loss of Range of Motion

To safely return to sport, your injured joint or muscle must move through a full, pain-free range of motion. If the injured area still feels stiff or limited compared to the opposite side, compensations can develop. These often lead to new injuries elsewhere in the body.

At Leap Healthcare, we assess mobility and flexibility to ensure that your movement patterns are restored and sport-ready.

3. Weakness or Instability

If your joint feels weak, unstable or prone to giving way, it may not be ready for sport-specific forces. Strength and stability must return to pre-injury levels to protect the joint during running, jumping or contact.

We use targeted strength and control testing at our Mount Waverley clinic to identify and address any lingering deficits before you get back in the game.

4. Pain Under Load

Just because you can walk without pain doesn’t mean your body is ready for the demands of training or competition. Sporting movements place far more stress on the body than day-to-day activities.

Our physiotherapists guide you through a graded return-to-sport plan that includes testing under load, ensuring your recovery can handle the real demands of your sport.

5. Fear of Movement

Psychological readiness is just as important as physical recovery. If you feel hesitant, nervous or unsure during movement, your brain may still be protecting the injury. This can alter your movement patterns and increase your risk of reinjury.

At Leap Healthcare, we help you rebuild confidence with sport-specific retraining, exposure therapy and progressive movement challenges.

Don’t Risk a Setback — Get Cleared to Compete

It’s always safer to return slightly later than to face a major injury from rushing in too soon. If you’re unsure whether your body is fully ready, book a professional assessment with our experienced team at Leap Healthcare.

We’ll assess your physical, neurological and psychological readiness to return to sport — so you can perform at your best with confidence.

📞 Call us on (03) 8512 9958
🖥️ Book your sports physiotherapy appointment online