Staying active is part of the Aussie lifestyle, yet these activities bring certain dangers. Whether you’re participating in the field, track, or gym, understanding injury trends allows athletes to perform better and avoid extended recovery periods, especially for those extending their time in competitive activities. 

While nine out of 10 adult Aussies engage in some form of sports annually, roughly 1 out of five are injured while participating. At MVMT Sports Chiro, we witnessed how these injury patterns directly impact performance and health outcomes. Besides traditional therapy, chiropractic care is gaining traction in prevention and recovery. 

In this article, we’ll crunch the key statistics involved in sports injuries, the frequent cases reported, and how it hamper routines. We’ll also uncover how evidence-based chiropractic care helps in recovery so you can be pain-free and moving again.

How Common Are Sports Injuries in Australia?

Sports injury is a major health problem in Australia, with 56,000 cases hospitalised due to its severity in 2021-22. As per AIHW’s report, these injuries account for around 12% of all injury hospitalisations nationwide. Though males make up around 70% of it, the highest incidence occurs among those aged 15 to 24.

Injury rates decline with age but occur across all active age groups. The most common causes include falls, collisions, overexertion, and awkward landings. While participants in contact sports such as football and wrestling are more prone to traumatic injuries, those engaged in non-contact or individual activities are more likely to experience overuse or repetitive strain injuries.

Notably, more than half of all sports injuries often occur while engaging in organised sports or exercise activities. This further explains the importance of adequate training, adherence to safety standards, and protective gear when engaging in active sports. 

Even though a portion of these injuries are minor, the most common ones are fractures, head injuries, or other chronic musculoskeletal syndromes that need to be managed and treated medically. This is why two-thirds of hospitalisations were emergencies in 2021-22, from recreational walking (89%) to netball injuries (38%).

Most Common Sports & Activities Leading to Injuries

Injury rates also vary considerably from sport to sport in Australia, and contact sports lead the list. According to AIHW, the following are the most common sports or recreational activities that inflict a certain degree of injuries (mostly in 2021-22):

  • AFL (Australian Football League)

The AFL consistently has the highest rate of hospitalisation from injuries, especially among 15- to 29-year-old males, as a result of the sport being dynamic and high-impact. Its hospitalisation rate was about 570 per 100,000 Aussies.

  • Soccer

It also has a high prevalence due to its popularity, with typical injuries being sprains and knee injuries from repetitive running and abrupt changes in motion. Hospitalisations attributed to playing the sport were about 230 per 100,000 participants.

  • Basketball

This exercise most typically leads to knee and ankle injuries, brought about by explosive jumping and pivoting. Injury from it caused hospitalisations for 165 per 100,000 players.

  • Netball

Typically causes lower-limb and ligament sprains with twisting and jumping. Its hospitalisation rate reached 160 per 100,000 players, plateauing for males in recent years.

  • Cycling

Cycling can be a risk for traumatic injury due to a fall and overuse injury like tendinitis. Injuries (185 per 100,000 cases) were more common for younger cyclists, peaking at ages 10-14.

  • Skateboarding and Scootering

Scootering and skateboarding in adolescents and youth are associated with high incidence rates of elbow and wrist fractures due to falling. Fractures account for roughly 7 in 10 of its hospitalisations (74%) in roller sports. 

  • Gym/Fitness Training

Often leads to back strains, joint sprains, and other overuse conditions, highlighting the need for proper guidance and techniques. 

Even recreational exercises with minimal impact, like bushwalking and dancing, can cause injury, for example, by a slip, misstep, or muscle strain.

Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) offers comprehensive fact sheets describing measures of injury prevention and protection for the majority of these popular sports, reminding you to take precautions and be aware everywhere. 

Types of Injuries Most Frequently Reported

Across all sports and exercise activities, the most frequently reported injuries are the following:

Sprains and Strains

Injured body parts like ankles, knees, and wrists typically involve damage to ligaments, muscles, or tendons. While they are all soft-tissue injuries, each differs in recovery timeframe, which may take a few days to weeks. Depending on the strain or sprain’s severity, it may need immediate attention to heal optimally.

Knee and Shoulder Injuries

Given that it’s the most used body parts, the knee and shoulder get injured more commonly than any other. It consists of ligament tears, dislocations, and cartilage damage. As it requires surgery or physiotherapy, the healing may take 1-6 months, but could stretch further based on how extensive the damage’s impact.

Spinal Misalignments 

Spinal misalignments are most frequently found in sport-active individuals or weightlifters due to repetitive loading or impact. If left untreated, they have the potential to lead to chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain.

Concussions 

This is a severe condition, mostly a frequent complication of contact sports such as wrestling, football, and boxing. Patients who have suffered from concussions should be given prompt attention and rest. Follow-up for an extended period is necessary to assess any impact on mental functions due to the injury.

Overuse Injuries

They include tendinitis, shin splints, and stress fractures that an individual acquires over time. Overuse injuries are treated by using rest, rehabilitation, and, in a few instances, changing training methods to prevent reinjury.

Ignoring early symptoms or premature return to sport enhances the risk for late complications.

Impact of Sports Injuries on Long-Term Health

If not treated or handled inadequately, sports injuries have long-term health implications. Daily activities and sports performance are compromised by chronic joint pain, which in many cases is the result of poorly healed sprains or cartilage damage.

This ongoing pain is typically accompanied by limited movement, as injured joints and soft tissues limit the degree of movement. Arthritis Australia explains that injuries, especially to weight-bearing joints, can accelerate ailments such as osteoarthritis, leading to pain, stiffness, or, in severe cases, the need for joint replacement.

Chronic inflammation is a persistent condition, exposing the injured tissue to ongoing pain. Minor and benign injuries, if not rehabilitated, may also compromise stabilising muscles and ligaments and therefore cause joint instability and substantially heighten injury recurrence.

In more extreme instances, untreated injuries can alter movements and permanently impair posture, gait, and physical performance overall.

Taking early intervention, getting a thorough evaluation, and focusing on a well-rounded recovery plan can help prevent further injury.

The Role of Chiropractors in Injury Recovery and Prevention

Chiropractic care is crucial to conditioning sportsmen, helping them circumvent injuries and future complications. Alleviating musculoskeletal imbalances and joint restrictions, chiropractors are able to remove pain, restore function, and improve mobility.

Its key benefits include:

Faster Recovery

Soft tissue mobilisation and manual manipulations hasten recovery by augmenting circulation and reducing inflammation. This joint functional restoration, particularly of the spine, is necessary for optimal body movement.

Improved Joint Function

Adjustments correct misalignments that may limit motion or produce patterns of compensation.

Injury Prevention

Routine checks detect areas of concern before they develop into injuries. By actively treating these issues, athletes can maintain maximum body movement, thus reducing the risk of secondary trauma.

Optimised Performance

Chiropractors help provide improved alignment, leading to better posture, flexibility, and strength.

At MVMT Sports Chiro, we’ve also helped weekend warriors and semi-pros recover from knee, back, and shoulder injuries. We personalised each chiropractic approach to unlock peak performance at any age, movement restriction, or functional capacity.

Why Choose MVMT Sports Chiropractic?

MVMT Sports Chiro offers expert chiropractic care for an active lifestyle and sports injuries. Our Sydney chiropractic team uses a variety of chiropractic methods to ensure the best outcomes possible.

Our chiropractic specialists employ spinal manipulation, laser therapy, and muscle release techniques to address pain at the source for longer relief and recovery.

Besides that, we design personalised rehabilitation programs to address your sport, condition, and goals. If you want to get back to optimal performance or simply need to regain daily mobility, we can take care of that.

With a track record of proven injury rehabilitation and preventing recurring strain, MVMT Sports Chiro helps athletes fully recover, minimise injury risks and achieve their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common sports injuries treated by chiropractors?

Chiropractors employ techniques to treat musculoskeletal sporting injuries, including most strains and sprains, joint misalignments, and a number of overuse injuries of the spine, shoulders, and knees.

How soon should I see a chiropractor after a sports injury?

As soon as possible. Early intervention is crucial to avoid further complications, promote faster healing by reducing inflammation, and restore normal joint movement. Seeking early treatment can help identify the best course of action, even if you’re unsure about the severity of your injury.

Can chiropractic care help prevent injuries?

Absolutely. Routine chiropractic care and preventive checks can identify and correct imbalances before they lead to injury. By correcting imbalances ahead of time, you can avoid overuse injury and strain, enabling you to perform at your peak.

Do I need a referral to see a sports chiropractor?

No referral is required. You can book an appointment with us directly at MVMT Sports Chiro. Based at North Strahfield, NSW, we’re here to support your recovery and keep you moving at your best. Our team will guide you on which chiropractic therapies are best suited for your swift recovery process. 

How many sessions are typically needed for recovery?

It depends on the injury, but most of the patients recover within 3 to 6 sessions, especially in acute injuries. In chronic or complex cases, follow-ups on a regular basis may be required for continuous improvement and long-term results. 

At MVMT Sports Chiro, we tailor care to your needs and goals by providing a bespoke treatment plan after your initial consultation. We co-manage or refer cases with pain management specialists and allied health workers to give you a well-rounded, safe therapy all throughout.