Physioworks Health Group provide physiotherapy and allied health sponsorship and support to Casey Basketball Association (CBA), including the Casey Cavaliers.
A break in the Casey Cavaliers schedule has given Physioworks Physiotherapist Alex Natsioulas time to reflect on the current status of the basketball season from an injury prevention and management perspective.
Q: What’s your role for Physioworks with Casey Basketball?
Alex: I’m team physiotherapist for the Casey Cavs; attending every training on Thursday nights and all home games for Men’s and Women’s; and then provide ongoing treatment and support for the players when they attend the Physioworks Cranbourne clinic.
Q: Most common injury this season?
Alex: I’m always treating ankle and knee injuries; some due to landing around opponents and others due to quick change of direction required on the basketball floorboard surface.
Q: What is key for Injury Prevention for basketballers?
Alex: Firstly appropriate footwear, but baskeballer’s need real lower limb (hip/quad/calf) strength and excellent landing technique. The Strength and Conditioning program at Physioworks Cranbourne focus on such areas, and can tailor specific S&C requirements for all athletes.
Q: How do the Cav players/squads approach Recovery?
Alex: Many of the players use the water recovery services at P3 Sports and Recovery Berwick as part of their recovery. Post-game rest, hydration and nutrition are also important.
Q: How do you manage players returning from injury?
Alex: Communication with both player and coaches is critical. I discuss with the coaches what the appropriate time on court per match/ quarter is for each player who maybe returning from injury; and set the player and coaches expectations accordingly in their injury rehab/return plan.
Contact Physiotherapist Alex Natsioulas at Physioworks Health Group Cranbourne to assist with your basketball injury prevention and management on 5995 1111.