March Madness: Stay in the Game with Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy

March Madness isn’t just about buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories—it’s a high-intensity, high-impact tournament where athletes push their bodies to the limit. Whether you’re a competitive player, a weekend warrior, or just hitting the local court for fun, staying injury-free is key to keeping your game strong.

At Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy, we specialize in bridging the gap between injury recovery and peak performance. Basketball is a sport that demands explosive speed, agility, and endurance—making it crucial to take a proactive approach to mobility, stability, and strength.

Common Basketball Injuries & How to Prevent Them

Basketball is fast-paced, requiring quick changes in direction, jumping, and rapid acceleration—all of which can lead to injuries if the body isn’t properly prepared. Here are some of the most common injuries we see and how to prevent them:

1. Ankle Sprains

• Quick cuts and sudden stops put immense stress on the ankles.

• Prevention Tip: Strengthen ankle stability with balance exercises like single-leg stands and resistance band work.

2. Knee Injuries (ACL/Meniscus Tears, Patellar Tendonitis)

• Jumping and landing increase strain on the knees.

• Prevention Tip: Glute activation leads to proper landing mechanics (soft knees, hip engagement) and build lower-body strength with squats, lunges, and glute activation exercises.

3. Shoulder Injuries (Rotator Cuff Strains, Impingements)

• Shooting, passing, and overhead movements place stress on the shoulder joint.

• Prevention Tip: Strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers with banded external rotations and YTWs.

4. Low Back Pain

• Repetitive twisting, sprinting, and impact can lead to strain and dysfunction.

• Prevention Tip: Build core strength with planks, dead bugs, and anti-rotation exercises like Pallof presses.

Rehab & Recovery: Get Back in the Game Faster

If you’ve been sidelined with an injury, don’t just rest and hope for the best. At Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy, we take a movement-based approach to rehab, using:

✅ Manual therapy to improve mobility and reduce pain

✅ Dry needling to relieve muscle tension and speed up recovery

✅ Sport-specific rehab to ensure a safe and strong return to play

✅ Customized exercise plans to address weak points and prevent future injuries

Your March Madness Training Plan

Want to play like the pros? Incorporate these key elements into your training routine:

🏀 Dynamic Warm-ups – Get your body ready with agility drills and mobility work.

🏀 Strength & Stability – Focus on single-leg strength, explosive power, and core stability.

🏀 Recovery is Key – Prioritize rest, hydration, and stretching to keep your body performing at its best.

Game Ready? We’ve Got You Covered!

This March Madness, don’t let injuries keep you on the sidelines. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to optimize your performance, Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy is here to help you move, feel, and play better than ever.

🏀 Ready to level up your game? Schedule an assessment today!