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Shoulder Stabilisation and Bankart Repair: Your Path Back to Sport

Shoulder Stabilisation and Bankart Repair: Your Path Back to Sport

by | May 1, 2025 | Return to Sport, Shoulder, Sports Injury, Surgery

Recovering from a shoulder stabilisation surgery, particularly a Bankart repair, can feel like navigating a winding trail. At Praxis Physiotherapy, we understand that athletes don’t just want to heal – they want to return stronger, more confident, and ready for action. This blog explores the key milestones in overhead and contact sport rehabilitation and the compelling evidence that supports structured physiotherapy.

Understanding Shoulder Stabilisation and Bankart Repair

The Bankart repair is a surgical intervention for traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations, which are most common in young, active populations – particularly those involved in contact or overhead sports. This procedure reattaches the torn labrum to the glenoid, restoring joint stability. While the surgery addresses structural instability, it is only the first step. Rehabilitating the shoulder to perform under high-stress, dynamic sporting conditions is where physiotherapy becomes crucial (Coyle et al., 2022).

 

Rehabilitation Phases: Beyond the Basics

Rehabilitation after Bankart repair generally progresses through four overlapping phases:

1. Protection & Early Mobility (0–6 weeks)

Initial goals include reducing pain and inflammation while protecting the repair. Gentle passive and assisted range-of-motion exercises begin, with sling use gradually tapered.

2. Strength Building (6–12 weeks)

Isometric and light resistance training begins. Scapular control and rotator cuff strengthening are vital. Coyle et al. (2022) found wide variability in when strengthening begins, from 1 to 12 weeks, underscoring the importance of tailored plans.

3. Advanced Control & Load Tolerance (12–20 weeks)

This phase introduces overhead activity simulation, plyometrics, and proprioceptive drills. Neuromuscular training improves shoulder resilience, especially under rapid direction changes and contact stress (Ialenti et al., 2017).

4. Return to Sport (20+ weeks)

Athletes progressively re-engage in sport-specific drills, initially non-contact, then full-contact scenarios. Full return to competitive play often occurs around 5–6 months, but timelines vary based on sport demands (Kasik et al., 2019).

 

The Evidence: Why Physiotherapy Matters

  • A systematic review by Rossi et al. (2021) revealed that 27% of athletes failed to return to sport post-surgery. Most cited fear of reinjury, not physical limitation, as the main barrier. Targeted rehab can address both physical readiness and confidence.
  • Kim et al. (2023) showed that factors such as shoulder strength, proprioception, and psychological readiness were predictive of successful return. Structured physiotherapy addresses all three.
  • The American Journal of Sports Medicine confirms that progressive loading, especially for overhead and contact tasks, enhances long-term outcomes and reduces recurrence rates (Kim et al., 2023).
  • Alsomali et al. (2021) and Stone & Pearsall (2014) agree that sport-specific milestones are crucial, with a general return-to-contact timeline of 16–24 weeks depending on the sport.

Back in the Game: What Sets Our Approach Apart

At Praxis Physiotherapy, our shoulder rehabilitation programs don’t just follow protocols – they evolve with the athlete. We incorporate evidence-based practices and tailor each phase to your sport, position, and performance goals. Whether you’re a rugby forward or a volleyball setter, our rehab plan adapts to your demands.

We emphasise:

  • Early and progressive exposure to overhead mechanics
  • Integrated neuromuscular training for dynamic stability
  • Gradual and safe return-to-contact drills
  • Psychological readiness assessments to overcome fear of reinjury

 

Summary Timeline for Return to Sport

Phase Timeframe Focus
Protection & Early Mobility 0–6 weeks Pain control, protected motion
Strength & Motor Control 6–12 weeks Rotator cuff & scapular strengthening
Overhead & Contact Prep 12–20 weeks Plyometrics, proprioception, advanced drills
Return to Sport 20–26+ weeks Gradual return to contact and full intensity

Final Thoughts: Your Comeback Starts with the Right Team

Recovering from shoulder stabilisation surgery is not just about healing – it’s about coming back better. Evidence clearly shows that structured, progressive physiotherapy is essential for returning to sport safely and confidently.

At Praxis Physiotherapy, we’re here to guide that journey every step of the way. If you are ready to get started, book online today.

Until next time, Praxis What You Preach…

📍 Clinics in Teneriffe, Buranda, and Carseldine

💪 Trusted by athletes. Backed by evidence. Here for everyone.

References
  • Coyle, M., Jaggi, A., Weatherburn, L., Daniell, H., & Chester, R. (2022). Post-operative rehabilitation following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: A systematic scoping review. Shoulder & Elbow, 15(5), 554–565.
  • Ialenti, M. N., Mulvihill, J. D., Feinstein, M., Zhang, A. L., & Feeley, B. T. (2017). Return to play following shoulder stabilization: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 5(9)
  • Kasik, C. S., Rosen, M. R., Saper, M. G., & Zondervan, R. L. (2019). High rate of return to sport in adolescent athletes following anterior shoulder stabilisation: A systematic review. Journal of ISAKOS, 4(1), 43–50.
  • Kim, M., Haratian, A., Fathi, A., Kim, D. R., Patel, N., Bolia, I. K., … & Weber, A. E. (2023). Can we identify why athletes fail to return to sports after arthroscopic Bankart repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(9), 2480–2486.
  • Rossi, L. A., Tanoira, I., Brandariz, R., Pasqualini, I., & Ranalletta, M. (2021). Reasons why athletes do not return to sports after arthroscopic Bankart repair: A comparative study of 208 athletes with minimum 2-year follow-up. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 9(7)
  • Alsomali, K., Kholinne, E., Nguyen, T. V., Cho, C.-H., Kwak, J.-M., Koh, K.-H., & Jeon, I.-H. (2021). Outcomes and return to sport and work after open Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder instability: A systematic review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 9(10)
  • Stone, G. P., & Pearsall, A. W. (2014). Return to play after open Bankart repair: A systematic review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2(2),
Pain in the Neck: Why Your Neck Hurts and What To Do About It

Pain in the Neck: Why Your Neck Hurts and What To Do About It

by | May 1, 2025 | Massage, Neck, Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy – and for good reason. Whether it creeps in during long days at the desk, flares after a tough workout, or simply starts for no apparent reason, it can become an ongoing source of discomfort and limitation.

At Praxis Physiotherapy, we see patients every week with neck pain ranging from occasional stiffness to chronic, persistent aches. The good news? Physiotherapy – particularly manual therapy and targeted exercise – can make a real difference.

So, What Causes Neck Pain?

Most neck pain we treat is classed as “non-specific neck pain” (Verhagen 2021; Almalki et al. 2024). That means it doesn’t come from a single clear source like a fracture or disc bulge, but rather a combination of mechanical, postural, and sometimes psychosocial factors.

Risk factors include:

  • Prolonged static or awkward postures (like slouching over a desk)
  • High computer use (>75% of the workday)
  • Stress, anxiety, poor sleep or low mood
  • Lack of physical activity or poor muscle endurance (Cagnie et al. 2007; Louw et al. 2017)

Side view of senior man holding neck with visible discomfort, highlighting neck pain relief.

Importantly, neck pain often fluctuates – it might settle for weeks or months before flaring again. Up to 70% of people will experience neck pain in their lifetime, and around half of those will go on to experience recurring or chronic symptoms (Osborne et al. 2024).

What Actually Helps?

Let’s get straight to it. Here’s what the research says works – and what doesn’t.

Targeted Strengthening Exercises

A recent meta-analysis by Louw et al. (2017) showed strengthening exercises are consistently more effective than doing nothing. These exercises improve both pain and quality of life for office workers with non-specific neck pain.

Chen et al. (2018) reinforced this, finding the biggest improvements came from neck/shoulder-specific strength work done consistently. The same review highlighted that those who stuck to their program got the best results — a helpful reminder that consistency trumps intensity.

Interestingly, Osborne et al. (2024) found neck-specific resistance training not only helped pain but also changed how the nervous system processed pain – reducing hypersensitivity measured by QST (quantitative sensory testing). That’s not just “feeling better” – it’s a measurable shift in how your body interprets threat and discomfort.

Manual Therapy (With Exercise)

Close-up of a therapist giving a relaxing shoulder massage, enhancing wellness and stress relief.

Cervical and thoracic mobilisations – particularly when paired with exercise – help reduce pain and restore movement (Verhagen 2021; Damgaard et al. 2013). At Praxis, we’ll often use hands-on techniques in the early phase to loosen stiff joints or reduce muscle guard

ing, before layering in exercise to drive long-term change.

Manual therapy alone can offer short-term relief, but it’s the combination with exercise that produces meaningful, sustained improvement.

Close-up of woman using blue massage balls for neck relief against a wall.A Multimodal Approach

Combining manual therapy, strengthening, posture coaching, and education works better than relying on just one of these (Damgaard et al. 2013). This reflects our whole-person approach at Praxis – treating not just the neck, but the patterns, habits, and loads that contribute to the issue.

What About Stretching?

Stretching can feel good – and sometimes helps with short-term symptom relief – but strengthening is where the real long-term benefit lies (Louw et al. 2017). That said, we’ll often include mobility work alongside strengthening in the early phases of your rehab, especially if movement is limited or provoking.

And What Doesn’t Help?

Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of outdated advice and overreliance on passive treatments. Prolonged rest, neck braces, or relying solely on massage or dry needling – without addressing strength, posture, or movement – rarely produce lasting results.

Electrotherapy or ultrasound alone have limited evidence (Damgaard et al. 2013), and while they may provide short-term comfort, they don’t improve long-term function or resilience.

What You Can Expect at Praxis

Your physio will:

  1. Take a thorough history and assessment to rule out anything serious.
  2. Identify movement deficits, strength imbalances, or aggravating work setups.
  3. Use manual therapy to settle symptoms and restore range of motion.
  4. Build a personalised exercise plan focused on restoring strength and endurance.
  5. Offer ergonomic and postural coaching to help you load your neck better, not less.

Whether you’re a desk-bound professional, a busy parent, or an elite athlete – your neck pain deserves proper, evidence-based care.

Struggling with neck pain that just won’t go away? Let one of our experienced physios at Praxis guide you back to feeling and moving better – book today

Until next Praxis What You Preach..

📍 Clinics in Teneriffe, Buranda, and Carseldine
💪 Trusted by athletes. Backed by evidence. Here for everyone.

Pilates & Back Pain Rehab (Part 3 of 3): How Much Is Enough?

Pilates & Back Pain Rehab (Part 3 of 3): How Much Is Enough?

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Reformer Pilates

In the final part of our three-part blog series, we dive into one of the most common questions we’re asked at Praxis Physiotherapy: “How often should I do Pilates for my back pain?”

The short answer? It depends — but more isn’t always better.

What Does the Research Say?

Several studies have explored the ideal frequency of Pilates for managing chronic low back pain and improving quality of life:

  • A high-quality randomised trial found that two supervised sessions per week resulted in better pain and disability outcomes compared to one session, but three sessions per week didn’t add significant extra benefit (Miyamoto et al., 2018).

  • A more recent scoping review suggested that the most effective dose was 2–3 Pilates sessions per week, over at least 8–12 weeks, with each session lasting 50–60 minutes (Sivrika et al., 2024).

  • Other research found that while Pilates is more effective than minimal intervention, its long-term effects are similar to other forms of exercise when it comes to disability reduction (Lim et al., 2011).

Interestingly, even in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, clinical Pilates performed twice weekly over 12 weeks improved physical performance, bone health, and quality of life (Angın et al., 2015).

In short: Twice a week for 8–12 weeks seems to be the sweet spot — balancing benefit with adherence.

Does That Mean Daily Pilates Is Too Much?

Not necessarily — but more frequent Pilates isn’t always better, especially in early rehab stages. Muscles and tendons need time to adapt, and overtraining can aggravate sensitive tissues.
In most cases, it’s smarter to focus on progressive challenge and good technique, rather than pushing volume too early.

The Praxis Approach

At Praxis, we use Pilates as a physiotherapy-led rehab tool, not just a workout. That means:

  • Exercises are tailored to your injury, goals, and stage of recovery

  • We combine matwork and reformer-based Pilates, adapting for pain or functional limitation

  • Programs scale over time — from pain relief to performance and everything in between

Many of our clients begin with once-weekly sessions, progressing to twice per week as tolerated. We also provide home-based exercises to support consistency without overloading the system.

So, How Often Should You Do Pilates?

Here’s our evidence-informed summary:

  • Start with 1–2 supervised sessions per week

  • Add 1–2 home sessions with guidance

  • Continue for 8–12 weeks, then reassess progress and goals

The most important part? Consistency, not perfection. And making sure every movement has a purpose.

Ready to get started?
Chat to our team at Praxis Physiotherapy — we’ll help tailor a Pilates plan that’s safe, effective, and backed by the latest research.

Until next time,  Praxis What You Preach!

References

Angın, E., Erden, Z., & Can, F. (2015). The effects of clinical Pilates exercises on bone mineral density, physical performance and quality of life of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 28(4), 849–858. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-150604

Lim, E. C. W., Poh, R. L. C., Low, A. Y. H., & Wong, W. P. (2011). Effects of Pilates-based exercises on pain and disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(2), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2011.3307

Miyamoto, G. C., Costa, L. O. P., Cabral, C. M. N., & Costa, L. C. M. (2018). Efficacy of two Pilates exercise programs for patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22(2), 137–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2017.09.004

Sivrika, M., et al. (2024). Different doses of Pilates-based exercise therapy for chronic low back pain: a scoping review. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, [Ahead of print]. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2021-0462

Navigating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Physio-Centric Pathway to Strength and Mobility Before Surgery

Navigating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Physio-Centric Pathway to Strength and Mobility Before Surgery

by | Apr 22, 2025 | Knee, Reformer Pilates

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and mobility restriction in Australians over 45. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an active grandparent, or someone just trying to keep up with the daily demands of life, OA can slowly erode your confidence in movement — long before X-rays show the full extent of joint degeneration.

At Praxis Physiotherapy, we take a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to managing knee OA. Working closely with renowned orthopaedic knee surgeon Dr. Kelly Macgroarty and drawing from our extensive experience with high-performance athletes and everyday patients alike, we believe the journey toward better knees starts well before surgery — and, for many, might even avoid or delay it altogether.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee OA is a progressive condition involving the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, typically leading to:

  • Pain during or after activity

  • Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest

  • Swelling and inflammation

  • Loss of flexibility and range of motion

  • Difficulty with stairs, kneeling, or prolonged standing

Radiographic OA becomes more common with age, but symptoms often precede visible changes on X-ray. Up to 30% of people over 65 show radiographic OA, yet many remain functionally capable — highlighting the importance of early, movement-based interventions (Naja et al., 2021).

Why a Physio-Led Model Before Knee Replacement?

Surgery is not the first or only option. A large systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials found that non-surgical interventions such as physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and structured exercise were associated with meaningful improvements in pain and function over 12 months (Naja et al., 2021). Physiotherapy, in particular, is consistently supported by international guidelines as a first-line treatment (Fransen et al., 2015; Bennell et al., 2014).

Traditionally, knee OA rehab has emphasised quadriceps strengthening — and for good reason, as quadriceps weakness is strongly linked to OA-related pain and disability. However, more recent research suggests that focusing exclusively on the quadriceps may be too narrow. Programs that include hip (gluteal), hamstring, and calf muscle strengthening are now shown to be superior in improving functional outcomes, especially for activities like walking, stair climbing, and maintaining balance (Bennell et al., 2014). This broader approach addresses the full kinetic chain around the knee, optimises joint load distribution, and better supports long-term movement efficiency.

At Praxis, our physios:

  • Assess gait, strength, joint mobility, and function

  • Design individualised exercise programs targeting quadriceps, glutes, and calf strength

  • Implement manual therapy techniques to restore joint mobility

  • Provide pain education, load management advice, and real-world strategies

  • Monitor progress and adjust programs over time

This proactive approach not only builds resilience in the knee but also prepares the joint and surrounding muscles should surgery eventually be required.

Booster Sessions: Keeping Gains, Lowering Costs

An often-overlooked strategy is the use of booster physiotherapy sessions — structured follow-ups after an initial rehab program. Research by Bove et al. (2018) showed that exercise programs with booster sessions at 3, 6, and 12 months were not only more clinically effective but also more cost-effective over a two-year period compared to standard physiotherapy care.

At Praxis, we now embed these booster sessions into long-term OA management. They help patients:

  • Maintain strength and conditioning gains

  • Stay accountable with home programs

  • Troubleshoot new symptoms early

  • Reduce future health care costs and medication reliance

What About Injections and Other Adjuncts?

We often collaborate with GPs and orthopaedic specialists to incorporate adjunct treatments where the evidence supports it:

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections showed significant long-term benefit for pain and function, with improvements of ~20 points on the WOMAC index. PRP ranked just behind stem cells as the most effective non-surgical treatment in a large 2021 network meta-analysis (Naja et al., 2021).

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have shown mixed results. A review of overlapping meta-analyses concluded that HA is likely safe and modestly effective, especially in early-stage OA, although guideline recommendations remain inconsistent (Xing et al., 2016).

Ultimately, our philosophy is to build strong knees first, and complement physiotherapy with interventions like PRP or HA only when clinically indicated and appropriately timed.

Surgical Collaboration 

In more advanced cases, where conservative management fails, we work closely with Dr. Kelly Macgroarty, one of Queensland’s leading knee surgeons. Our relationship allows:

  • Streamlined triage for surgical consultation

  • Shared prehabilitation planning to improve surgical outcomes

  • Integrated post-operative rehab, using in-clinic gym equipment and reformer Pilates to accelerate return to function

This continuity ensures you’re never left navigating knee OA alone — whether your journey stays entirely within physio care or progresses to surgical management.

Why Praxis Physiotherapy?

At Praxis, we’ve built our care model around best-practice guidelines, decades of elite sport and private practice experience, and a shared goal of keeping our patients active, independent, and thriving.

Our Teneriffe, Carseldine and Buranda clinics offer:

  • In-clinic rehab gyms

  • Reformer Pilates for joint-friendly loading

  • Real-time strength testing technology

  • Physios with elite sports and post-surgical rehab experience

Take the First Step

If you or someone you love has been told you’re “heading for a knee replacement,” don’t wait. There is so much we can do to reduce pain, improve function, and build confidence in your knees — surgery or not.

Book an appointment today at one of our Brisbane clinics and start your journey to stronger, more resilient knees.

Interested in ACL specific rehab? Check our guide on return to sport after ACL injury

Until next time, Praxis What You Preach!

📍 Clinics in Teneriffe, Buranda, and Carseldine

💪 Trusted by athletes. Backed by evidence. Here for everyone.

References

  • Bove, A. M., Smith, K. J., Bise, C. G., et al. (2018). Exercise, manual therapy, and booster sessions in knee osteoarthritis: cost-effectiveness analysis from a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 98(1), 16–27.

  • Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(24), 1554–1557.

  • Bennell, K. L., Dobson, F., & Hinman, R. S. (2014). Exercise in osteoarthritis: moving from prescription to adherence. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 28(1), 93–117.

  • Naja, M., Fernandez De Grado, G., Favreau, H., et al. (2021). Comparative effectiveness of non-surgical interventions in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine, 100(49), 

  • Xing, D., Wang, B., Liu, Q., et al. (2016). Intra-articular hyaluronic acid in treating knee osteoarthritis: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses. Scientific Reports, 6, 32790.

ACL Rehabilitation: The Role of Physiotherapy in Returning to Life, Activity, and Sport

ACL Rehabilitation: The Role of Physiotherapy in Returning to Life, Activity, and Sport

by | Apr 22, 2025 | ACL, Gym and Strength, Knee, Return to Sport, Running Injuries

On today’s Praxis what you Preach, we cover a very common injury here in Australia – the Anterior Cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. At Praxis Physiotherapy, we understand that recovering from ACL reconstruction is more than just healing a knee — it’s about restoring confidence, movement, and returning to the activities and lifestyle that matter most to each person. Physiotherapists are uniquely placed to guide this journey from surgery through to return to everyday function, recreation, and sport.

What is an ACL Rupture?

The ACL is one of the key stabilising ligaments of the knee, crucial for controlling rotation and forward movement of the tibia. An ACL rupture typically occurs during sudden changes in direction, pivoting, or awkward landings — common in sports like AFL, soccer, basketball, and netball. It most often affects young, active individuals, particularly females, due to biomechanical and hormonal factors. While not all ACL injuries require surgery, those with complete ruptures who wish to return to cutting or pivoting sports usually undergo ACL reconstruction. Regardless of the surgical decision, structured rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist is essential for a successful recovery and long-term knee health.

The Importance of Physiotherapy in ACL Rehab

Research shows that while around 80% of individuals return to some form of sport after ACL reconstruction, only 65% return to their preinjury level and just 55% to competitive levels (Andrade et al. 2020). Physiotherapy plays a vital role in improving these outcomes by guiding progressive rehabilitation and using structured criteria-based progressions.

Physiotherapy-led rehabilitation should begin early, with emphasis on knee mobilisation, weight-bearing as tolerated, and initiation of neuromuscular training (Andrade et al. 2020). The BJSM systematic review of clinical guidelines for ACL rehab supports early kinetic chain exercises (both open and closed), strength training, cryotherapy, and neuromuscular stimulation when indicated (Andrade et al. 2020).

From Healing to Performance: A Continuum

Recovery after ACL surgery should follow a continuum from impairment-based care to performance restoration. This includes early pain and swelling control, progressive strength and range of motion restoration, motor control retraining, and sport-specific preparation. At Praxis, we follow a phase-based rehabilitation model tailored to individual needs. These needs may include the type of surgical graft used, concurrent injury (e.g meniscus / MCL), the operating surgeon’s post-op protocols, the patient’s goals, sport-specific demands, timelines for return to competition, and previous levels of function — all of which require thoughtful and collaborative clinical decision-making.

Unfortunately, studies show that many patients are discharged before meeting strength or performance benchmarks — particularly in strength-focused exercises like the split squat, squat, or deadlift, which play a vital role in ACL rehab progression. For example, performing around 22 single-leg sit-to-stands is one such late-stage benchmark that reflects adequate quadriceps strength and control before return to sport (Welling et al 2018). Nichols et al. (2021) found that most published rehabilitation protocols emphasize endurance and hypertrophy without progressing to the strength or power needed to reduce reinjury risk. This underlines the need for physiotherapists to include high-intensity, sports specific strength training and late-stage performance metrics as patients near return to sport.

Addressing Muscle Atrophy and Weakness

Quadriceps atrophy remains a key barrier to recovery post-ACL reconstruction. Evidence supports adjunct interventions such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction (BFR) training to combat muscle loss, particularly in the early post-operative period (Charles et al. 2020). BFR combined with low-load resistance exercise has been shown to reduce muscle wasting and promote strength gains when higher loads are contraindicated — we explore this more in our Blood Flow Restriction Training blog. We use this frequently at Praxis Physiotherapy in both reformer pilates and early gym based settings. 

The Role of the Physio: More Than Just Exercise

Our job as physiotherapists goes beyond prescribing exercises. We support patients through the emotional and motivational challenges of recovery, address fear of re-injury, and help them develop the confidence to return to sport or physically demanding jobs. We tailor plans based on functional goals, sport-specific needs, and personal circumstances.

At Praxis, this also means working closely with coaches, GPs, surgeons, and families to ensure clear communication and aligned expectations. For sporting patients, this might include on-field rehab or comprehensive return-to-play assessments in collaboration with clubs and teams.

A Collaborative, High-Performance Rehabilitation Environment

At Praxis Physiotherapy, we bring high-performance rehab principles to all patients — not just elite athletes. Our team has provided physiotherapy services to the Aspley Hornets AFL Club since 2014, giving us deep insight into the physical and mental demands of competitive sport. We apply this same standard of care to everyday athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone seeking to return to an active lifestyle.

We also work closely with orthopaedic knee and shoulder surgeon Dr. Kelly Macgroarty, including in-room triage consulting, ensuring a seamlessly integrated, evidence-informed rehabilitation pathway. This collaboration allows us to align surgical timelines, post-op considerations, and physiotherapy progressions — from day one to return to sport.

Our clinical culture is shaped by exposure to elite-level sports environments, including AFL, representative athletics, and professional national cricket programs. But rather than highlight individual accolades, we’re most proud of the high clinical standards and systems-based approach that ensure our entire team delivers the same quality of care — no matter who walks through the door.

Each of our Brisbane based clinics includes access to gym facilities and reformer Pilates equipment, allowing for real-world, function-driven exercise. These resources support patients to not only recover structurally but also return to high levels of strength, coordination, and performance in line with the latest evidence-based guidelines.

A Message to Our Patients

Whether you’re an athlete aiming for competitive return or someone wanting to run after your kids again, we bring the same level of care and attention to your ACL rehab. Recovery is not just about timelines — it’s about building back strength, movement, and trust in your knee. Ready to get started with your own recovery plan? Explore the ACL physiotherapy services at Praxis and book an appointment today.

Until next time, Praxis What You Preach…

📍 Clinics in Teneriffe, Buranda, and Carseldine
💪 Trusted by athletes. Backed by evidence. Here for everyone.

For more insights into long-term knee health, including non-surgical rehab, check out our Knee Osteoarthritis blog.

References

Andrade R, et al. (2020). How should clinicians rehabilitate patients after ACL reconstruction? A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Br J Sports Med, 54(9), 512–519.

Kochman M, et al. (2022). ACL Reconstruction: Which Additional Physiotherapy Interventions Improve Early-Stage Rehabilitation? Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(23), 15893.

Charles D, et al. (2020). A systematic review of the effects of blood flow restriction training on quadriceps muscle atrophy and circumference post ACL reconstruction. Int J Sports Phys Ther, 15(6), 882–889.

Nichols ZW, et al. (2021). Is resistance training intensity adequately prescribed to meet the demands of returning to sport following ACL repair? A systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med, 7(1), e001144.

Welling W, Benjaminse A, Gokeler A, Otten E, & Seil R. (2018). Low rates of patients meeting return to sport criteria 9 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective longitudinal study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 26(12), 3636–3644.