9 May 2025
The Importance of Further Treatments in Sports-Related Injuries
Sports-related injuries are a reality for many people, not just professional athletes, and whether it’s a sprained ankle from a morning jog, back pain after lifting weights at the gym, or a lingering knee issue from weekend football, these injuries can disrupt daily life, limit mobility and delay progress toward fitness goals.
And yet, whilst initial treatment is often accessible and immediate, such as resting up, using ice compressions, and taking over the counter pain relief, what happens next is just as important. Unfortunately, many people who sustain sports-related injuries overlook the value of further treatment and rehabilitation, which can play a vital role in full recovery and long-term wellbeing.
At Speed Medical, we understand that recovery doesn’t stop at diagnosis, and it’s our job to help individuals access the further treatment they need, offer a national network of physiotherapists, specialists and mental health professionals to ensure that every aspect of recovery is considered and supported, and build a recovery plan that will help them resume their normal everyday life.
Common Sports Injuries Amongst Everyday People
Contrary to what some might think, the majority of sports injuries actually occur outside of professional settings, and recreational exercise, gym routines, weekend sports activities or even brisk walks can all result in injury, particularly if people overexert themselves, skip warmups, or use improper techniques.
In fact, Sport England recently confirmed that over 25 million adults in the UK engage in regular physical activity, meaning that with such a high participation rate also comes a significant risk of injury, so much so that it’s estimated that around 1 in 5 active adults experience a sports-related injury each year in their latest findings.
Out of these, the most commonly reported issues include sprains and strains, which typically affect the ankles, knees, wrists or hamstrings and occur when ligaments or muscles are overstretched or torn, and NHS data highlights that ankle sprains alone account for up to 5% of all A&E visits in the UK, underlining just how frequent and disruptive these injuries can be.
Tendonitis, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, is another frequent complaint, often caused by repetitive motions and poor technique, followed by lower back pain - an issue the NHS reported that around 60% of regular gym users experience at some point, often stemming from improper lifting or a lack of core stability.
Likewise, shoulder injuries from swimming, weight training or racquet sports can make even the simplest of tasks painful, and shin splints, stress fractures and joint issues are also typical for those who run regularly or play high-impact sports. With research from UK Athletics showing that around 30% of amateur runners suffer from shin splints or stress-related injuries annually.
However, all of these common injuries are often underestimated, and many people might assume they’ll recover quickly with rest alone, when the truth is that without proper treatment, they can evolve into chronic problems that interfere with work, mobility, and overall health.
Why Does Further Treatment Matter?
It’s natural to want to get back to activity quickly, especially when the injury seems minor, however, rushing back into exercise or skipping recovery treatment can lead to major setbacks.
When it comes to further treatment, it’s about more than just healing the site of the injury; it focuses on restoring full function, building strength in surrounding muscles and correcting any imbalances or movement patterns that may have contributed to the issue in the first place.
Without it, individuals risk reduced mobility, recurring injuries and long-term joint or muscle problems, and while we recognise that emergency care may be accessible through the NHS or local services, follow-up treatment can be even harder to access, particularly when waiting times are long or when the injury isn’t considered urgent.
That’s why our team at Speed Medical are on hand to help by offering rapid access to a range of specialists and services, ensuring that individuals don’t fall through the cracks and can start their rehabilitation journey without unnecessary delays.
The Role of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective forms of further treatment for sports-related injuries, and it plays a significant role in both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
The truth is that whether it’s targeted manual therapy, guided exercises or structured rehabilitation programmes, physiotherapy aims to restore strength, improve mobility and reduce pain. It also helps prevent re-injury by identifying the root cause of the problem as well, including muscle weakness, joint instability, or poor posture, and addresses it head-on through personalised exercises and education.
At Speed Medical, we coordinate timely and tailored physiotherapy treatment plans through our nationwide network of professionals to ensure that patients are seen by experienced clinicians who understand their lifestyle, goals, and the specific demands of their chosen activity.
Then, in more complex cases such as where soft tissue damage is suspected or if pain persists despite initial treatment, we can also arrange diagnostic scans such as MRI or ultrasound. Access to this level of insight ensures the treatment plan is grounded in clear, clinical evidence, helping avoid guesswork and ensuring a faster, more accurate recovery path.
But overall, our providers support recovery at every single step of the way, from initial assessment through to rehabilitation milestones, helping people return to their usual routines with improved confidence and reduced risk of setbacks.
Psychological Support: The Overlooked Factor in Recovery
Something that’s often forgotten is that physical injuries can sometimes have emotional and psychological consequences, as individuals who are enthusiastic about fitness or rely on physical activity to manage stress, may feel anxious, frustrated, or even depressed when side-lined by injury.
This uncertainty around recovery timelines and the fear of re-injury can also cause a lack of motivation and avoidance behaviour, making long-term healing more challenging, not to mention the sudden changes around lifestyle routines throwing their every day off-course.
At Speed Medical, we recognise this, and appreciate that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical rehabilitation. That’s why we also offer access to psychological services, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can support individuals in overcoming fear, frustration and stress related to their injury too.
As a result, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery allows us to help our clients heal more fully, avoid the mental roadblocks that can slow progress and keep them on a positive trajectory towards their ‘back to normal.’
If you’ve experienced a sports-related injury and want to talk through your recovery programme, speak to our expert team today by visiting www.speedmedical.com, contacting our team via email at info@speedmedical.com or calling us directly on 0330 094 8749.
