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Why pre-season screening is your best play for an injury-free year
As we have well and truly settled into the new year, I’ve been having more and more conversations with friends and clients of The Studio about their wonderful exercise plans for 2026. Some of them are planning on signing up to tackle heart-break hill, others are dipping their toe in and signing up for a group triathlon, and impressively some are signing up for yet another season of soccer. If you want to ensure your body is as prepared as possible for the months ahead, we would love to help you get started at The Studio.
Before you hit the field, have you considered a "pre-season" check-up for your body? This check-up would involve a screening for previous injuries and resulting ongoing issues. It might sound obvious, but the first question we would ask is whether you have had an injury before. Research into AFL players shows that a recent history of injury is the #1 risk factor for a new one (Orchard, 2001). An old injury can also create a "domino effect"—for example, having a history of calf strains can actually increase your risk of a future hamstring injury. We screen to break that chain reaction.
The evidence also suggests that as we get older, our risk for certain injuries, like calf and hamstring strains, is a bit higher (Orchard, 2001). While we can’t stop the clock, a screen helps us identify if your muscle strength is keeping up with your age and the demands of your sport.
Once we’ve identified your unique strengths and "work-ons," we integrate these findings directly into your movement routine. For example, if you are attending our clinical pilates classes, we modify your program to target exactly what the screen revealed. We can also provide you with high-value exercises to incorporate into your gym or home exercise program.
To begin, simply book an Initial Physiotherapy Assessment. This is a dedicated 45-minute session where we will perform a tailored assessment based specifically on your goals and the demands of your sport. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of your movement profile and a specific plan to work on before your season kicks off.
References:
Orchard, J. W. (2001). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Risk Factors for Muscle Strains in Australian Football. The American Journal of Sports Medicine.