Physiotherapy
Sports and activity injuries
First 48 hours, sensible loading, and returning to sport without re-injury.
4 min read
What it is
Sprains and strains make up most sports and farm injuries. Early management protects the area without shutting it down completely; modern guidance favours gentle protected movement over prolonged immobilisation. The stage most often skipped is the last one — rebuilding strength and control before returning to full play, which is where re-injury usually happens.
What to look for
Immediate pain, swelling and bruising after a specific incident
Difficulty putting weight through the limb
A pop or snap at the moment of injury warrants assessment
Sensible things to do at home
- First 48 hours: protect, rest relatively, ice briefly, compress, elevate
- Avoid heat, alcohol and vigorous massage in the first two days
- Begin gentle pain-free movement early rather than fully immobilising
- Rebuild strength before returning to competitive play
When to see us
- You cannot bear weight, or the joint feels unstable or gives way
- Obvious deformity, or numbness beyond the injury
- Swelling and pain not improving after a week
- You want a structured return-to-sport plan
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.