combat sport injury advice

If you box regularly, there is a good chance you have experienced some kind of shoulder pain. Sometimes it starts as a small discomfort when throwing a jab or cross. Then, you might notice it during pad work, while doing push-ups, or even when reaching for something above your head. A lot of fighters ignore it at first because shoulder pain can seem like just another part of training. But it isn’t something I recommend fighting through. As a combat sports therapist, one of th

Fighters often ask me: “When should I actually come and see you?” Combat sports are hard on the body. You get bruises, sore muscles, stiff hips, tight calves and the occasional knock. If you booked an appointment every time something felt a little sore after training, you would probably be spending more time with your therapist than in the gym! So how do you know when something is worth getting checked? For me, it is usually about the pattern, not just the pain. Not every ach

Have you ever taken a hard kick, been caught awkwardly in a clinch, or had your knee forced inwards during sparring? If so, you might have felt that horrible pain on the inside of your knee. An MCL injury could be the cause of this pain. When clients come to me with such an injury, the first question they ask is: “How long until I can train again?” Unfortunately, there isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. It depends on how badly the ligament has been injured, how the kn

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is an excellent combat sport for developing strength, mobility, coordination, and fitness. But like any physical activity, it comes with a risk of injury, particularly because training involves grappling, joint locks, takedowns, repetitive movements, and sustained positions. Understanding the most common BJJ injuries can help practitioners recognize problems early, manage them appropriately, and return to training safely. Why Do BJJ Injuries Happen?

In combat sports, athletes often focus heavily on strength, conditioning, technique, and competition preparation. While these elements are essential, true high-level performance comes from developing the entire athlete, not just the body. The most successful fighters, grapplers, and martial artists understand that athletic excellence is a combination of physical, mental, emotional, and lifestyle factors working together. A holistic athlete is someone who prioritises overall w

If you work with combat athletes long enough, you'll hear it all. "Just stop for 6-8weeks." "Maybe this sport isn't good for you." "You should consider something lower impact." To most people, that sounds reasonable. To a fighter, it sounds like you don't understand them at all. Combat Sport Isn't Just Exercise Whether it's BJJ, boxing, MMA, wrestling, Muay Thai, this isn't just training. It's: Structure Social life Stress relief Identity Confidence Mental stability For a lot