Preventing and treating injuries in athletes

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Athletes—whether amateur or elite—face constant challenges: physical preparation, training load management, injury prevention, and optimal recovery. At ABC Clinique Santé, our interdisciplinary team of physical therapists, podiatrists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, massage therapists, and osteopaths work hand in hand to provide comprehensive, personalized care to athletes of all ages.

In this article, we share our vision and key tips for supporting athletes throughout their season.

Pre-season preparation: prevention is better than cure

Even before the season begins, it is essential to ensure that the body is ready to perform. This is the ideal time to conduct a comprehensive assessment to detect and correct minor imbalances before they become serious injuries.

For example, a podiatrist could examine the biomechanics of the foot and ankle as well as the quality of footwear, while a physical therapist assesses mobility, muscle strength, and joint stability. Together, these observations provide a comprehensive picture of the athlete and identify areas that need work.

Whether it’s muscle weakness, poorly fitting shoes, or restricted movement, these factors may seem minor when taken separately. But when combined, they directly influence performance and the risk of injury. This is why the preseason is such a crucial stage: by adjusting training and implementing corrective exercises, athletes start the season stronger, more stable, and, above all, more confident.

During the season: adjust and support

Playing sports often leads to fatigue and high training volumes. This is a critical period when vigilance is essential.

Monitoring concussions: symptoms are sometimes subtle and difficult to detect. Rigorous monitoring and safe return-to-play protocols are essential. Unlike an ankle injury that can be “supported” with taping, a concussion leaves no room for compromise: safety comes first.

Fatigue and common injury management: in collaboration with coaches, our professionals adjust exercises, suggest pre-game activation routines, and prevent recurring injuries (shoulders, knees, back).

Growth monitoring for young athletes: During growth spurts, the risk of injury is higher. Regular monitoring helps anticipate and reduce risks.

Rest: The balance between effort and recovery is essential. Chiropractic care helps maintain mobility, manage physical stress, and optimize sleep and recovery.

End of season and off-season: recovery and preparation for the future

At the end of the season, the main goal is to help athletes complete their competitions while minimizing risks. Interventions are primarily aimed at managing symptoms, supporting performance, and preventing existing injuries from worsening. This may involve quick adjustments to footwear, targeted exercises to maintain strength and mobility, or treatments such as taping, laser therapy, or shockwave therapy.

Once the season is over, the approach changes: it’s time for a more comprehensive assessment, to correct any accumulated imbalances and to implement a rehabilitation exercise program. The goal is twofold: to allow for optimal healing and to prepare the body to come back stronger for the next season.

By combining monitoring, treatment, and planning, we ensure a smooth transition between competition and preparation, while reducing the risk of the same injuries recurring.

The importance of an interdisciplinary approach

At ABC Clinique Santé, our strength lies in teamwork. Rather than working in silos, our professionals combine their expertise to develop a comprehensive and consistent treatment plan.

This allows us to look at the same situation from multiple perspectives, identify the causes of an injury more quickly, and propose a variety of complementary solutions. Assessment, exercise planning, technical adjustments, and treatments such as taping, shockwave therapy, and laser therapy are all integrated into the same follow-up program.

By working together and sharing information on an ongoing basis, we ensure a safer, faster, and, above all, more sustainable return to play. Athletes benefit from comprehensive care that promotes both performance and prevention.

In conclusion

No matter what sport you play, prevention, listening to your body, and regular follow-ups with professionals are essential to limiting injuries and maximizing performance.

At ABC Clinique Santé, we are proud to support athletes every step of the way—from preparation to recovery—thanks to our dedicated and passionate interdisciplinary team.

Are you part of a sports team or an athlete who would like to benefit from personalized care? Contact us to learn more about our services.