Netball Injuries: How a Sports Doctor Can Help You Recover and Return Safely to the Court

Netball is one of the most popular sports in Australia, especially among women and girls of all ages. Fast-paced and dynamic, it demands quick changes in direction, explosive jumps, and sudden stops—all of which place stress on the body. Unfortunately, these same characteristics make netball players prone to certain injuries.

At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we regularly assist netball players—from weekend warriors to competitive athletes—recover from injury and return to the game safely and confidently. Here’s a look at some of the most common netball injuries and how a sports doctor can help you get back on court.

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Common Netball Injuries

1. Ankle Sprains
The most frequent injury in netball, ankle sprains typically occur when landing awkwardly from a jump or changing direction quickly. This can result in ligament damage, swelling, and pain.

2. Knee Injuries (Including ACL Tears)
Netball places a lot of strain on the knees, particularly during pivoting or sudden deceleration. ACL injuries are serious and often require surgical intervention followed by long-term rehabilitation.

3. Finger and Hand Injuries
Jammed fingers, dislocations, and fractures are common due to ball contact or collisions with other players.

4. Shoulder Strains
Overhead passes and shooting can lead to rotator cuff injuries or general shoulder instability, especially in players with muscle imbalances or poor technique.

5. Lower Back Pain
Frequent jumping and twisting can put strain on the lumbar spine, especially in players with weak core muscles or poor posture.

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How a Sports Doctor Can Help

1. Accurate Diagnosis
A sports doctor is trained to assess musculoskeletal injuries with precision. At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we use diagnostic tools like ultrasound or MRI referrals if needed to understand the full extent of your injury.

2. Individualised Treatment Plans
Every athlete and injury is different. A sports doctor will create a tailored rehabilitation plan, which may include rest, targeted exercises, manual therapy, strapping, or referrals to physiotherapy or podiatry.

3. Injury Management and Pain Control
Through medication, joint injections, or soft tissue techniques, a sports doctor can help manage pain and inflammation, allowing for more effective rehabilitation.

4. Coordination with Allied Health Professionals
At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we work closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and orthopaedic specialists to ensure a holistic recovery process.

5. Safe Return to Sport
Perhaps most importantly, a sports doctor can assess when it’s safe to return to play. We use evidence-based protocols and functional testing to ensure you’re ready to meet the demands of netball without risking re-injury.

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Long-Term Prevention Strategies

In addition to recovery, we place a strong focus on injury prevention. This includes:

• Biomechanical assessments to identify movement issues
• Strength and conditioning programmes tailored for netball
• Advice on footwear and playing surfaces
• Education on warm-up and cool-down techniques

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Ready to Get Back on Court?

If you or your child has suffered a netball injury, don’t leave recovery to chance. See a Sports Doctor to assist with a guided safe return to sport.