Basketball is a high-intensity sport that requires a lot of physical exertion and agility, and as such, it is not uncommon for athletes to sustain injuries. Tendon injuries are a common occurrence in basketball, and they can have a significant impact on an athlete's performance and overall health. That's where a sports physiotherapist comes in.

Injuries occur when the tendons that connect muscles to bone become overloaded, which can cause pain, swelling and reduced function and ability to carry out day to day activities and exercise/sport activities. 

The most common tendon injuries in basketball are: 

• Achilles tendinopathy - caused by overuse or sudden movements that strain the tendon at the back of the ankle 
• Patella tendinopathy - caused by repetitive jumping and landing which can damage the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone 
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy - caused by overuse or a sudden injury to the shoulder muscles

Recovery from these injuries can be a slow and challenging process, and it's essential to get the right treatment to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. This is where a sports physiotherapist comes in. They specialise in treating sports-related injuries and can provide customised treatment plans to help junior athletes recover from tendon injuries (Hägglund, M., Waldén, M., & Ekstrand, J., 2016)

At Hoops Physio, the physiotherapists use a range of techniques to treat tendon injuries in basketball players. These include:

1. Soft tissue massage: This helps to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, which can aid in the healing process.
2. Exercise therapy: This involves a range of exercises that can help to strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon, which can reduce pain and prevent further injury.
3. Taping and bracing: This can help to support the injured tendon and provide additional stability during the recovery process.
4. Activity and exercise modification advice to help offload the tendon to aid in the recovery process 

The sports physiotherapists at Hoops Physio will help work with athletes to develop a customised treatment plan based on their specific needs and injury. They will also provide advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises to help athletes avoid future injuries.

Tendon injuries are a common occurrence in basketball, and they can have a significant impact on an athlete's performance and overall health. A sports physiotherapist can help athletes recover from these injuries by providing customised treatment plans and advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises. If you're a runner, basketball player or any other athlete recovering from a tendon injury, be sure to visit Hoops Physio for expert care and treatment.

‍