The festive season in Australia is a time for family gatherings, holidays, backyard cricket, beach days and long road trips. While it’s a great time to relax and enjoy yourself, it’s also one of the busiest times of year for injuries. Changes in routine, increased activity, travel and a bit of festive enthusiasm can place unexpected strain on the body.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see during the festive period and how physiotherapy can help you recover faster and prevent long-term issues.
1. Muscle Strains and Soft Tissue Injuries
Why they happen:
Sudden bursts of activity such as backyard cricket, touch footy, swimming, gardening, or lifting eskies and camping gear can overload muscles that aren’t used to the demand.
Common areas affected:
- Hamstrings
- Calves
- Lower back
- Shoulders
How physiotherapy helps:
Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, restoring movement, and gradually rebuilding strength. Hands-on treatment combined with targeted exercises helps muscles heal properly and reduces the risk of re-injury when you return to activity.
2. Back and Neck Pain from Travel and Long Days
Why they happen:
Long car rides, flights, poor sleeping setups while away and spending extra time sitting or standing during social events can all aggravate the spine.
Common symptoms:
- Stiff neck or shoulders
- Lower back pain
- Sciatic-type pain
- Headaches
How physiotherapy helps:
A physiotherapist can identify the source of your pain, improve joint mobility, release tight muscles, and prescribe simple exercises to manage stiffness while travelling. Early treatment often prevents acute pain from becoming persistent.
3. Sporting and Activity-Related Injuries
Why they happen:
Festive sports are fun but often unplanned. Playing without warming up or suddenly increasing intensity can lead to injury.
Common injuries include:
- Ankle sprains
- Knee strains
- Achilles or patellar tendon pain
- Shoulder injuries from throwing or swimming
How physiotherapy helps:
Physiotherapy assists with swelling control, joint stability, strength and movement retraining. Rehab is tailored to help you safely return to sport or activity without rushing recovery.
4. Overuse Injuries During Holiday Fitness Kicks
Why they happen:
Many people increase their activity over the holidays with more walking, hiking, running, or gym sessions.
Common overuse injuries:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Tendon pain (Achilles, shoulder, elbow)
How physiotherapy helps:
Physios address biomechanics, load management, and muscle imbalances. A structured plan ensures your body adapts safely rather than breaking down under increased demand
5. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Why they happen:
Wet surfaces around pools, thongs on uneven ground, or fatigue late in the day can increase fall risk.
Common injuries:
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Hip or knee pain
How physiotherapy helps:
After assessment, physiotherapy supports recovery through mobility, strength, balance training and confidence with movement especially important for older adults.
Managing Injuries Early Makes a Difference
Ignoring pain or “waiting until the new year” can allow minor injuries to worsen. Early physiotherapy management helps:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Maintain mobility
- Prevent compensation injuries
- Speed up recovery
- Avoid long-term issues
Enjoy the Festive Season Without Lingering Pain
At On Path Physio, we help you stay active, mobile and pain-free during the festive season and beyond. Whether it’s a new injury or a flare-up of an old one, early assessment and tailored treatment can keep you enjoying your summer safely.
If pain is slowing you down this festive season, don’t wait get back on path with physiotherapy.
