calf injury

Calf Injuries

Calf injuries are injuries to the soleus and/or gastrocnemius muscle. They can impact anyone, but some people are at greater risk. They often occur after a quick burst of speed, i.e., moving from stationery to full pace over a short period of time. Athletes who play soccer, football, and tennis are prone to these injuries. However, they are also common in men over 40, particularly when they participate in sports while lacking adequate conditioning. What are the symptoms of calf…

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Osgood-Schlatter disease and knee pain hoppers physio

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Osgood-Schlatter disease is probably a condition you heard about growing up, whether you had it or your friends had it. Osgood-Schlatter disease is essentially an overuse injury of the knee that is common in growing children and adolescents. Repetitive activity, particularly jumping activity can cause swelling and irritation over the growth plate at the top of the shin.   What are some causes of Osgood-Schlatter's disease? Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by an imbalance of growth between the bones, muscles and Tendons. This causes the…

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ViMove Technology

In this video, Michael Tricarico from Hoppers Physiotherapy discusses ViMove Technology and how it can help assess whether an athlete can return to the sport safely. The ViMove sensors can also be used for real-time feedback and training in order to assist in rehabilitation and measurement efforts. If you experienced an injury and would like treatment to get back to the activities that you enjoy, please contact our clinic on (03) 9749 5110 or book an appointment online  https://youtu.be/lW81emyS9P8

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Tennis Elbow

Have you ever come home from a long day of working on the tools or at your desk and noticed that the outer part of your elbow is quite sore? If this is something you experience regularly, you may be experiencing a condition known as tennis elbow. But how can I have tennis elbow if I don't play tennis? The name derives from the condition's prevalence among people who play tennis, but it can affect anyone. It's usually caused by…

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Tape Vs Bracing for Sport

After injuries to the joints of the body, a sports doctor or physiotherapist might recommend that you require bracing or taping for returning to sport. This is to help prevent further injury to those areas until your rehabilitation is complete. Common areas for bracing and taping are fingers, thumbs, knees, ankles and shoulders.   It is usually heavily dependent on the intensity and type of sport you are playing. For some contact sports, such as rugby and AFL bracing it is against the rules due to injury risk from…

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Reducing the risk of a hamstring strain

The footy season is back in 2021! It's a great sight to see large crowds back watching the AFL, but perhaps what's even greater is the return of local footy. However, a shortened pre-season, coupled with a year of sitting out due to COVID, potentially brings the return of one of the most common injuries in AFL and other sporting codes alike. This of course would be hamstring strains. These are a group of three muscles of the backside of…

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Time for new runners?

"What runners should I buy?" This is a question we get asked all most every day. The answer is unique to every person as footwear choice depends on many factors. Typical things your physiotherapist will consider when discussing your footwear options: What activity do you need the shoes for? Have your goals changed? E.g. Are you looking at doing more speed work rather than distance? Are you just starting this activity or are you experienced? Your current weight The surface…

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Adductor injuries

As preseason for the 2021 soccer season as well as the return of the A-League, it is important to ensure our bodies are capable of the load that will be required when the season commences. Soccer players are the most at risk of developing adductors strains that can result in leg and groin pain. This type of injury is one of the most commonly seen in soccer players due to the nature of the game which requires both repetitive forward and lateral movements such…

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Thrower’s Shoulder

Thrower’s shoulder is a term used to describe pain that occurs when throwing a ball. This is due to instability at the shoulder joint and/or a rotator cuff pathology.  This can develop due to loss of structural integrity or dysfunction of the dynamic stabilizers that control the movement of the humerus in the shoulder joint.   Typically, individuals who suffer from thrower’s shoulder may feel the sensation of their joint slipping, giving way, or feeling loose.  The sensation of a weak arm in certain positions may also be present.  If left untreated and an individual continues to abuse their injury by…

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Shin Splints – all you need to know

Pain at the front of your shin? This could be shin splints!  Pain that is exercise induced and occurs along the lower third of the shin bone is called medial tibial stress syndrome or more commonly ‘shin splints’.   Pain typically develops from a spike in load such as an increase in frequency, the duration of exercise or changing to a harder surface. The biomechanics of you walking or running style can also play a part such as excessive pronation at the foot or even wearing footwear with inadequate foot…

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