From Footballer to Physio: Pro Insights on Injury Recovery
In professional football and other high-performance sports, injuries are almost inevitable. At The Physio Lab Hong Kong, we understand how critical it is for athletes to recover fully, not just to get back in the game, but to perform at their highest level. Drawing from his experience as a former professional footballer and physiotherapy practice, Neil Fitzhenry offers valuable insights into injury recovery, rehabilitation, and what athletes truly need throughout the process.
“In football, you often see the same injuries over and over again—hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and knee injuries,” Neil explains. “I’ve treated so many of these injuries over the years that I’ve developed a real passion for rehabbing them, especially ACL reconstructions. It’s a long process, often taking 9-12 months, but it’s incredibly rewarding to take a patient from post-surgery to full function. The best part is seeing them get back to playing at their pre-injury level.”
Football players often face unique recovery challenges, especially with knee injuries like ACL tears. These injuries can disrupt a player's ability to perform, and a carefully tailored physiotherapy plan is essential to restoring confidence and function on the field.
Neil’s journey into physiotherapy was largely shaped by his own injury history. “Unfortunately, I had my fair share of knee injuries throughout my football career. I underwent several surgeries, including meniscus repairs and more serious chondral injuries. Recovering from these types of injuries isn’t just physically demanding—it can be incredibly stressful on a personal level,” he shares. “Not only are you worried about your physical recovery, but you’re also thinking about your future in football—whether you’ll return to the same level, how it might affect contract negotiations, and the impact on your confidence. It’s a lot to process.”
“That’s why when I work with athletes, I don’t just focus on the injury. I want to know how they’re doing mentally, because your emotional state plays a huge role in recovery.”
Neil’s personal experience gives him a unique ability to connect with his patients, understanding the psychological hurdles they face during recovery, and addressing those alongside their physical rehabilitation.
Lower limb injuries, particularly in the knees and ankles, can be particularly challenging for football players. Neil explains, “One of the biggest fears for footballers is not being able to perform at the same level as before, or worse, the fear of re-injury. That fear can significantly impact how they perform, even once they’ve technically recovered.”
Physiotherapy aims to restore full function, and objective markers are used throughout the rehabilitation process to track progress. “We use a lot of objective data to show athletes their improvement—things like range of motion, strength tests, jump height, or running speed. It’s not just for us to measure; it’s also to help the player feel confident that they’re ready to return.”
Neil emphasises the importance of pre-injury data: “If we have baseline data from pre-season screenings or pre-signing medicals, it’s invaluable. We can compare that data to where they are post-injury and use it to determine when it’s safe for them to return to play.”
“As a former footballer, I’ve been through the highs and lows of injury recovery, and now, as a physiotherapist, I can guide my patients through that process with empathy and expertise,” Neil says.
At The Physio Lab, we focus on individualised recovery plans tailored to the unique needs of each athlete, with a team that understands the physical and emotional challenges that come with injury recovery. From treating common football injuries to helping athletes regain their confidence, our approach is all about restoring function and performance.
If you're an athlete in Hong Kong recovering from an injury or looking to improve your sports performance, consider speaking with one of our experienced physiotherapists. Our team at The Physio Lab is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with personalised care and expert support. Learn more about our services here.