Sports injuries can affect athletes of all levels, from professionals competing at elite levels to individuals who simply enjoy staying active. Whether caused by overuse, a sudden impact, or an unexpected twist or fall, sports injuries often require careful assessment and structured rehabilitation to ensure a safe return to activity.
Drawing on his experience supporting elite sporting teams such as the NSW Waratahs and Newcastle Knights, Dr George Awwad offers evidence-based assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. His approach focuses on restoring function, promoting safe recovery, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Understanding the type of sports injury
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in planning effective treatment. Common sports-related injuries include:
- Ligament injuries (ACL tears, ankle sprains, shoulder instability)
- Tendon injuries (Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tears)
- Muscle strains or ruptures
- Cartilage injuries
- Stress fractures
- Dislocations or joint instabilityEach injury behaves differently and requires a tailored management plan to support healing and prevent further damage.
Early assessment is key
Timely assessment helps prevent minor injuries from becoming long-term problems. During your appointment, Dr Awwad will take a detailed history, examine the affected area, and may recommend imaging such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to understand the severity of the injury.
An early, accurate diagnosis allows for a clear treatment pathway and reduces the risk of reinjury.
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs
Sports injury management is highly individualised. Treatment options may include:
Non-surgical treatments
- Activity modification and load management
- Physiotherapy to restore strength, flexibility, and control
- Bracing, taping, or immobilisation where appropriate
- Anti-inflammatory strategies
- Ultrasound or guided injections for selected conditions
- Shockwave therapy (where clinically suitable)
These approaches form the foundation of recovery for many athletes and are often sufficient to return to activity safely.
Surgical treatment (where required)
Some injuries such as complete ACL tears, complex shoulder instability, or certain tendon ruptures may benefit from surgical repair or reconstruction.
If surgery is recommended, Dr Awwad will explain the procedure, outline the risks and benefits, and discuss expected recovery timelines based on your individual situation.
A structured rehabilitation plan
Rehabilitation is one of the most important components of sports injury recovery. Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping patients regain:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Co-ordination
- Sport-specific function
Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual, taking into account the demands of their sport, work, and lifestyle. Returning to activity too quickly can increase the risk of reinjury, so gradual progression under guidance is essential.
Returning to sport: what to expect
A safe return to sport requires more than simply being pain-free. Factors considered during clearance may include:
- Joint stability and range of motion
- Strength symmetry compared to the uninjured side
- Functional testing appropriate for the sport
- Understanding of injury prevention strategies
- Psychological readiness
Dr Awwad works closely with physiotherapists, trainers, and other healthcare professionals to help athletes transition safely back to their chosen activities.
Preventing future injuries
Long-term injury prevention is a key part of any athletic program. Strategies may include:
- Improving technique
- Strength and conditioning programs
- Plyometric and agility training
- Load monitoring
- Appropriate warm-up routines
- Flexibility and recovery work
Understanding these principles supports not only recovery but ongoing performance.