Australians have led the world in obeying social distancing restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 but it’s important that it doesn’t come at a cost to their health.

Sports clubs and players are being urged to ensure they are match fit before they hit the court or field as coronavirus restrictions ease and Australians return to normal life. While many Australians have been walking, running and cycling to maintain their fitness during quarantine, physiotherapists are warning this doesn’t mean they’re ready to go straight back into a local footy, netball or soccer game. Physiotherapist and LaTrobe University Sport and Exercise Research Centre PhD candidate Brooke Patterson said a carefully planned return to competitive sport will help avoid common sports injuries to hamstrings, knees, ankles and hips/groins.

Australian physiotherapists have welcomed an increase in calls from patients wanting to take up telehealth consultations, in particular from vulnerable groups, including those aged over 70, pregnant women and people living with chronic health conditions.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and NSW Health are partnering to provide important training for hospital physiotherapists working to combat COVID-19.