Category: Prehab

In-Season vs Off-Season Physio Care: What Athletes Must Know

Posted on by Dr Dharam

Introduction

Physiotherapy is an essential component of your performance cycle, whether you’re a football player in top competition mode or a cricket player preparing for a game. Since sports demands change during the season, so too must your physiotherapy care, according to Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.

This article explains the differences between off-season and in-season physiotherapy and how our clinic’s individualized care guarantees that you’re not only injury-free but also constantly improving.

Why Seasonal Physio Planning Matters

Every stage of an athlete’s year, including pre-season, transition, off-season, and in-season, has its own set of demands on recuperation. Neglecting this may result in:

  • Overtraining-related injuries
  • Persistent exhaustion
  • plateau in performance
  • Poor recovery in between contests

Our seasonally appropriate physiotherapy method aligns your body with your training objectives.

In-Season Physio Care: Precision + Recovery = Performance

Goals of In-Season Physiotherapy:

  • Maintain performance and strength
  • Prevent injuries through regular screening
  • Accelerate recovery between matches
  • Address any acute pains or strains early
  • Ensure optimal joint and muscle mobility

Our In-Season Care Approach Includes:

1. Weekly Functional & Physical Screening:

Early detection of tightness, fatigue, or compensation patterns using special tests (e.g., Y-Balance, hop tests, resisted muscle testing, movement control screens).

2. Recovery Modalities:

We apply high-end physiotherapy tools such as:

3. Sport-Specific Manual Therapy:

Targeted myofascial release, taping, and joint mobilization tailored to specific sports.

4. Match-Ready Activation Sessions:

Pre-game neuromuscular facilitation, agility drills, and serratus/gluteal priming.

5. Education on Load Management:

Athletes learn how to monitor fatigue, hydration, recovery windows, and manage training intensity smartly.

Off-Season Physio Care: Build the Foundation, Fix the Flaws

The off-season is a fantastic time to make changes. At this point, players need to address chronic imbalances, past injuries, and underlying movement inefficiencies.

Goals of Off-Season Physiotherapy:

  • Injury rehabilitation and prevention
  • Mobility and flexibility restoration
  • Strengthening weak links (core, hips, scapula)
  • Functional capacity enhancement
  • Prehab for the upcoming season

Our Off-Season Protocol Includes:

1. Full Body Biomechanical Assessment:

We perform functional movement screens, postural analysis, and gait assessments to detect hidden dysfunctions.

2. Corrective Training + Strength Programs:

Targeted programs are designed to:

  • Improve core stability
  • Restore joint mobility (shoulder, hip, ankle)
  • Build neuromuscular control and symmetry

3. Modalities for Chronic Issues:

  1. CRET (Capacitive-Resistive Energy Transfer) for deep tissue healing
  2. Dry Needling + Electrotherapy for chronic trigger points
  3. Laser + IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) for scar remodeling

4. Performance Enhancement Training:

Integration of agility, proprioception, plyometric drills, and sport-specific mechanics.

Prehab is as Crucial as Rehab

Most injuries we see in the in-season have roots in:

  • Poor recovery in off-season
  • Skipping prehab
  • Uncorrected movement dysfunction

That’s why at Elite Physiotherapy, we push the concept of “Prehab Before Play.” Every athlete—elite or amateur—benefits from a structured physiotherapy plan across all seasons.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

  • Sports-specialized physiotherapists with national & international experience
  • Advanced modalities like Class 4 Laser, CRET, SIS, and Hydrotherapy
  • Tailored athlete-centric protocols
  • Functional and physical assessments based on the latest clinical frameworks
  • Emphasis on holistic recovery: mobility, strength, neuromuscular control, and education

Conclusion: Let Your Physio Plan Match Your Sports Season

Your body isn’t under the same pressure all year, so your physiotherapy shouldn’t be either. Whether you’re defending your title or rebuilding after a tough season, Elite Physiotherapy is your performance partner every step of the way.

Knee Surgery Preparation: How Prehab Can Speed up Your Recovery

Posted on by Dr Dharam

It might be frightening to have knee surgery. Preparation in advance will significantly accelerate your recovery from any injury, including osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ACL tears. Prehabilitation, also referred to as prehab, is an organized physiotherapy program conducted prior to surgery to maximize physical fitness and enhance post-operative outcomes.

To make sure our patients are both physically and psychologically prepared for surgery, we at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre provide a thorough and individualized prehab program that combines evidence-based physiotherapy with top-notch modalities.

Understanding the Need for Knee Surgery

When conservative measures don’t work, knee surgery is frequently the last resort. Typical explanations include:

  • ACL and PCL tears resulting from sports-related twisting injuries.
  • Meniscus tears are caused by degeneration or abrupt changes in direction.
  • Fractures or dislocations of the patella.
  • Osteoarthritis causes pain and joint degradation.
  • Damage to cartilage brought on by trauma or prolonged stress.

Mechanism of Injury

  • Rotational forces during sports activities.
  • Direct trauma to the knee from falls or collisions.
  • Sudden deceleration or twisting movements.
  • Chronic overuse in athletes and manual laborers.

Signs and Clinical Features

Typical signs that indicate the need for surgery include:

  • Persistent pain and swelling.
  • Difficulty bearing weight or knee instability.
  • Limited range of motion.
  • Clicking, locking, or catching sensations.
  • Weakness in the surrounding musculature.
  • Joint deformity or altered alignment.

What Is Prehab and Why Is It Important?

Prehab is an active strategy to get your knee ready for surgery. It improves neuromuscular control, joint mobility, muscular strength, and general conditioning. Research has indicated that those who participate in prehab experience:

  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster return to function
  • Less post-op pain and swelling
  • Reduced risk of complications
  • Stronger outcomes after rehabilitation

Personalized Prehab at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

Our prehab program is customized for each patient based on their surgical plan and goals. To get your knee ready for the best possible recovery from surgery, it combines manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and cutting-edge modalities.

Detailed Physiotherapy Management Before Surgery

1. Pain and Swelling Control

  • We use cryotherapy to reduce inflammation and effusion.
  • Gentle joint mobilizations help relieve stiffness.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage boosts fluid circulation.

2. Improving Range of Motion

  • Passive and active ROM exercises to prevent post-op stiffness.
  • Stretching and soft tissue release of tight muscles around the knee.

3. Muscle Strengthening

  • Emphasis on quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf strength.
  • Closed-chain kinetic exercises to protect the joint while building stability.

4. Neuromuscular Re-Education

  • Proprioception training to restore balance and joint control.
  • Use of balance boards, foam pads, and perturbation drills.

5. Gait Training

  • Correction of compensatory walking patterns using mirror feedback and treadmill sessions.

6. Functional Training

  • Sport-specific drills for athletes or daily function tasks for active individuals.

High-End Modalities We Use in Prehab

To accelerate progress, we integrate the following advanced technologies:

1. Shockwave Therapy

  • Useful in reducing chronic soft tissue pain around the knee by stimulating healing and tissue regeneration.

2. Super Inductive System (SIS)

  • Enhances joint mobility, muscle activation, and pain control without physical contact.

3. CRET Therapy (Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer)

  • Improves circulation, tissue oxygenation, and healing, especially beneficial for pre-surgical edema or stiffness.

4. Class 4 High-Intensity Laser Therapy

  • Provides deep tissue stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation, boosting cell repair before surgery.

5. Cryotherapy

  • Effective in pain relief and inflammation control, especially useful in cases with significant joint swelling.

6. Hydrotherapy (If applicable)

  • In cases where joint load must be minimized, hydrotherapy helps improve mobility and strength in a low-impact environment.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy for Prehab?

Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre stands apart due to:

  • Highly skilled sports physiotherapists.
  • State-of-the-art equipment and modalities.
  • Personalized care tailored to your surgical plan.
  • Evidence-based protocols rooted in clinical best practices.
  • A holistic environment that supports physical and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for knee surgery is just as important as recovering from it. With the right prehab protocol, you can reduce complications, shorten recovery time, and ensure a successful return to activity. At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your pre-surgical journey with compassion, precision, and the best technology available.