With easing COVID-19 restrictions, the netball season begins anew! Netball is Australia’s most played women’s sport, a great achievement, but concerning for players with past injuries, especially post‑lockdown. At PROHEALTH Physio & Fitness, we reviewed research on the most common netball injuries and strategies to prevent them. Here are our findings:
Top 3 Most Commonly injured body parts:
1. Knee (42%)
2. Ankle (29%)
3. Wrist (11%)
Top 3 Most Common types of injuries
1. Sprain/ligament injury (57%)
2. Fracture (15%)
3. Tendon (6%)
Playing surface and weather affect injury risk; 68% occur outdoors, and 94% of those occur in wet conditions.
While we can’t control the weather or always play indoors, we’re fortunate to return to the game we love. But what can we do to prevent netball injuries and stay on the court? How do I keep my knees and ankles safe? How do I prevent a terrible injury from being a major inconvenience to my work, leisure, and social life?
To prevent and manage knee and ankle injuries, strengthen lower limb muscles and practice dynamic balance
Squats, lunges, and deadlifts strengthen lower limbs and reduce injury risk, while dynamic balance exercises build joint stability to prepare for court play.
If you have a complicated relationship with exercise and would like professional, university educated advice, our team at PROHEALTH Physio & Fitness would love to empower you to return to the court and to stay on the court.
Feel free to call us on 8317 7770 to book an appointment with one of our specialists!
Reference: Joseph, C., Naughton, G., & Antcliff, A. (2019). Australian netball injuries in 2016: An overview of insurance data. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 22(12), 1304–1308.