Physiotherapy assessments in preseason can be an integral part of injury prevention and improved performance. These assessments provide a thorough assessment of strength, flexibility, movement patterns and functional ability.

Every sport is different, however, the key components to assess for any preseason assessment include:

1. Reviewing injury history. This can include existing injuries, injuries sustained the previous season or any lingering niggles.
2. Range of motion and flexibility. Assessing range of motion and flexibility can identify any limitations that may lead to increased risk of injury.
3. Muscle strength and power. Evaluating muscle strength using technology including Ax-IT provides an in-depth look at any imbalance or weaknesses that could increase injury risk.
4. Sport-speicific movements. Analysing specific movements for your sport identity any biomechanical issues that could increase the risk of overuse type injuries.

With the upcoming cricket season underway and offseason for winter sports, our team offer preseason assessments and screens. Our team at ME Physio is delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with East Malvern Tooronga Cricket Club.

Our team recently had the pleasure of working closely with Neal to get him ready for the upcoming season. Neal shares with us his experience during his recent preseason getting ready for the upcoming season.

They say success is the sum of simple disciplines practiced day in and day out. I would argue that in most cases a bit of expert guidance is also needed to make sure we’re practicing the right things.

In my case I’ve been plagued by a history of soft tissue injuries over the past 6 years, and usually missed 2 or 3 games of cricket a year because of strains or light tears. 

As I planned for the 2022/23 cricket season, and with my 50^th birthday a few months away, I made it a priority to check in with ME Physio during the winter to make sure I had a plan in place to minimise the risk of injuries.

In early August I did a screening assessment with Vernon Mittal where he tested my arm, leg and back strength and flexibility. From those results, Vernon created a program for me to get me ready for the season ahead. All of the exercises could be done at home and usually with just body weight, and the full routine took about 30 – 45 minutes, which I would do 2 or 3 times a week. Most days I would do one or two small exercises as well to keep working on my higher risk muscles – mostly the hamstrings and calves.

The results were fantastic. I didn’t miss a game through injury, for the first time in 6 seasons. And that was with a greatly increased workload – playing every Saturday, and doubling up most Sundays, which I hadn’t been able to even contemplate in the past few years.

Yes, there was some tightness and niggles at times, but generally slight enough for me to manage myself or get under control with a trip to the physio.

Vernon gave me another assessment at the halfway stage of the season to make sure everything was on track, and a post-season assessment as well to set me up with a program for winter 2023.

Now I’m looking forward to season 2023/24, confident I’ll have a program that will get my body through the rigours of another season.

Simple disciplines, practiced day in and day out.

Neal Woolrich,

President, East Malvern Tooronga Cricket Club

To book your preseason physiotherapy assessment, call our team today or book an appointment online.