Step up your game on the pitch with expert rehabilitation and training from Restore Physiotherapy.
Soccer injury is highly common, particularly among young adolescents playing for their local clubs or school teams. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, Restore Physiotherapy works with all age groups and all levels of competition to help you manage and avoid injuries on the pitch.
Our expert physiotherapists have decades of experience working with soccer clubs, from local level competitions to the State League level. With care and sound advice, we are proud to have helped numerous players return to full-level competition following ACL injuries, surgeries, as well as full-blown osteitis pubis (groin overload).
Although these injuries typically require months of rehabilitation and rest out of the game, our physiotherapists can guide you through this process so you can return better and stronger.
Knee injuries:
Soft tissue injuries:
Groin overload injuries:
Restore Physiotherapy specialises in the following assessment of soccer injuries
Hamstring Strains
Groin Injuries
ACL Issues
Scenario
A passionate female soccer player came to us with an ACL tear in her left knee after landing from a header. She was assessed in our clinic and quickly referred for an MRI, which confirmed the rupture. After consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, she opted for surgery with the goal of getting back on the field.
Solution
Our team designed a rehabilitation program immediately after surgery, focusing on reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, and gently reactivating her muscles. These early stages were all about getting the basics right and preparing her knee for the next phase of rehab.
As she progressed, we introduced strength training by first using bodyweight and building up to more challenging gym-based exercises to target her legs and core. Once she had a solid strength foundation, we commenced a running program to build volume and speed. Following this, we moved into more dynamic, sport-specific work, such as landing, cutting, and changing direction, all while gradually increasing the speed and intensity.
Finally, we guided her back into soccer training, starting with low-contact skills and slowly progressing to full-contact drills, including tackling and bumping.
Results
The patient made a successful return to the field after 11 months of focused rehab and training. Thanks to the structured strength, movement, and agility work, she felt stronger, more stable, and more confident in her movements. Our patient is still playing competitive soccer after 10 years and hasn’t had a single knee issue since.
Better mobility starts here. Book an appointment online or contact Restore Physiotherapy to speak to our care team.
Agility and neuromuscular training are important in both preventing injuries and supporting rehab after injury. Soccer typically involves quick changes of direction, acceleration, and deceleration. Regular agility drills, with and without the ball, can help prepare the body for these high-speed movements, reducing the risk of soft tissue and joint injuries.
Yes, certainly. We provide tailored return-to-play assessments based on the player’s injury, position, and level of play. These assessments often include strength testing, running progressions, agility drills, and modified skill-based drills to ensure players are ready to return to competition.
Our team can offer practical advice on game recovery, such as managing training volumes, soft tissue treatments (i.e. massage), and mobility exercises. We also educate players on recovery strategies that can help reduce the risk of soccer injuries.
For warm-ups, start with low-intensity cardio to raise body temperature, followed by dynamic mobility drills and sport-specific movements. Your training should also include gradual change-of-direction and speed drills, and finish with progressive ball work.
For recovery, we recommend active recovery after the match (i.e. walking or pool work). Icing sore areas, stretching or foam rolling, and focusing on sleep and nutrition will also help. Taping or bracing is typically used only for joint injuries, particularly those affecting the ankle or knee. We can assess whether bracing is needed after an injury and recommend the appropriate brace option before you return to the game.