Sports Rehabilitation — Perth City Football Club

Meridian Health partnered with Perth City Football Club to deliver a comprehensive injury management and prevention program for their senior squad across the 2024 season.

Client Goals

1. Reduce the number of match-day injuries across the season.
2. Improve recovery times for existing injuries to minimise games missed.
3. Implement pre-season screening to identify injury risk factors early.
4. Provide pitch-side physiotherapy support during home matches.

Program Delivered

1. Pre-Season Screening
   • Every squad member underwent a comprehensive musculoskeletal screening including movement analysis, strength testing, and injury history review.
   • Individual risk profiles were created and shared with coaching staff.
2. Injury Prevention Program
   • A squad-wide warm-up protocol was designed based on screening findings, incorporating evidence-based injury prevention exercises.
   • Weekly group exercise sessions focusing on hamstring, ankle, and shoulder resilience.
3. Match-Day Support
   • Pitch-side physiotherapy at all home games for acute injury assessment and management.
   • Post-match recovery protocols including ice baths, soft tissue work, and progressive return-to-play planning.

Results

1. 35% Reduction in Soft Tissue Injuries Compared to the previous season, the club recorded significantly fewer hamstring, calf, and groin injuries.
2. Faster Return to Play Average days missed per injury reduced from 18 to 11 days through early intervention and structured rehabilitation.
3. Club Partnership Extended Based on results, Perth City Football Club extended their partnership with Meridian Health for the 2025 season.

This program demonstrated the value of proactive, evidence-based sports physiotherapy in a team environment.