News3 min readNovember 30, 2025

The Best Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries in Hampstead & Golders Green (NW11): Your Complete Guide

The Best Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries in Hampstead & Golders Green (NW11): Your Complete Guide

If you’re dealing with a sports injury and based in Hampstead, Golders Green, NW3 or NW11, you don’t just want quick pain relief - you want a clear diagnosis, fast recovery, and a long-term plan that stops the problem coming back.

At Carter & George Hampstead, our team includes clinicians with Premier League, international rugby, and national sport backgrounds - bringing elite-level standards to every patient.

In this guide, we break down the most common sports injuries we treat as physiotherapists, how we diagnose them, and the best ways to recover safely and quickly.

Why Choose a Sports Injury Specialist in Hampstead?

Sports injuries need more than generic physiotherapy. They require:

  • detailed biomechanical assessment

  • sport-specific understanding

  • progressive loading plans

  • clear return-to-sport milestones

Our Hampstead clinicians don’t just treat injuries — they’ve treated elite athletes in demanding environments where results matter.

Meet your specialists:

Tay Albayrak — Clinical Director
Former Tottenham Hotspur FC • GB Canoeing & Kayaking
Expert in complex sports injuries, tendon pain and return-to-play programming.

Beth Sheehan — Senior Physiotherapist
London Welsh Rugby Club • England Beach Football
Specialist in lower limb injuries, youth athletes and pitchside care.

Together, the team deliver the same gold-standard approach used in professional sport - adapted for everyday athletes.

The Most Common Sports Injuries We See in NW3 & NW11

Here in Hampstead and Golders Green, we see a wide range of sports-related injuries - from running and gym training to racket sports and cycling.

1. Running Injuries

  • Achilles tendon pain

  • ITB syndrome

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Shin splints

  • Knee pain (patellofemoral or patellar tendinopathy)

Running loads the same tissues repeatedly. Small weaknesses → compensation → breakdown.
A running assessment helps identify the root cause early.

2. Gym & Weightlifting Injuries

  • Lower back strains

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Rotator cuff problems

  • Elbow tendon issues

  • Hip flexor strains

Most gym injuries come from overload or poor technique.
We combine strength testing + movement analysis to rebuild proper mechanics.

3. Football, Rugby & Field Sports Injuries

  • Hamstring tears

  • Groin strains

  • Ankle sprains

  • ACL/meniscus issues

  • Contact injuries

This is where our elite sport backgrounds shine - our team have managed these injuries at professional level.


4. Racket Sport Injuries (Tennis, Squash, Padel)

  • Tennis elbow

  • Shoulder pain

  • Wrist issues

  • Calf strains

  • Lower back stiffness

Explosive changes of direction and high-volume hitting make racket sports a common source of injury across NW11.

What to Expect From a Sports Injury Assessment

When you come to Carter & George Hampstead, your clinician will take you through a structured pathway:

1. Detailed Injury History

Understanding how the injury started and what movements trigger pain.

2. Advanced Physical Assessment

  • movement testing

  • joint mobility

  • muscle strength

  • tendon loading tests

  • sport-specific tasks

3. Clear Diagnosis

We explain exactly what’s injured, why it happened, and your recovery timeline - no jargon.

4. Hands-On Treatment

For pain relief and movement restoration.

5. Personalised Rehab Plan

This is the real difference-maker.
We build a progressive programme that strengthens weak areas and prepares you for return to sport.

Do You Need Shockwave Therapy?

Some injuries respond even better when we add shockwave therapy, available at our Hampstead clinic.

Shockwave helps with:

  • chronic tendon pain

  • plantar fasciitis

  • stubborn Achilles issues

  • patellar tendinopathy

  • long-term muscle tightness

It stimulates tissue healing and reduces pain quickly - ideal for active patients who need to return to sport.

You can learn more about it here.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

This depends on:

  • the tissue involved

  • how long the injury has been present

  • your sport

  • your training schedule

  • your strength levels

But generally:

  • Minor strains: 1–3 weeks

  • Tendon problems: 4–12 weeks

  • Muscle tears: 3–6 weeks

  • Overuse injuries: 3–12 weeks depending on severity

The most important part?
Getting an early diagnosis and a structured plan.

When Should You See a Physio?

Book in if you have:

  • pain lasting more than 48–72 hours

  • swelling, bruising or stiffness

  • pain returning every time you train

  • weakness or giving way

  • difficulty loading or performing your sport normally

Early treatment = faster return.

Serving Hampstead, Golders Green, NW3 & NW11

Our clinic is located between Hampstead Village and Golders Green, making it easy for patients across:

  • NW3

  • NW11

  • Temple Fortune

  • East Finchley

  • Finchley Road

We’re minutes from Golders Green Station with excellent transport links.

Book Your Sports Injury Appointment

If you want a clear diagnosis, expert treatment and a tailored plan to return to sport, we’re here to help.

👉 Book Online Now
👉 Call the Hampstead Clinic: 01992 446725