An injury in the middle of a season, a training block or a good run of form is frustrating, and being told to rest it rarely gets you back. Sports physiotherapy is about working out exactly what’s wrong, keeping you as active as is sensible while it recovers, and rebuilding your strength and confidence, with a clear idea of when you’re ready to go back.
Injuries we see often
- ACL injuries and meniscus tears
- Runner’s knee, Achilles pain and heel pain
- Ankle sprains, and ankles that keep going over
- Hamstring, calf and groin strains
- Shoulder pain from throwing, swimming, racquet sports or the gym
- Tennis, golfer’s and padel elbow
- Back pain linked to golf, rowing, cycling or lifting
- Hip pain and outer hip pain in runners
You don’t need to compete at a high level. Most of the people we see play sport for fun, not for a living.
How sports physiotherapy works
- A clear diagnosis. What’s injured, why it has happened and what it means for your training.
- Managing your load. What you can keep doing, what to change for now and how to build back up, so you stay as active as is sensible.
- A rehab programme that progresses. Strength, control and sport-specific work, built up in stages based on what you can do rather than the calendar.
- Hands-on treatment and acupuncture where they help settle pain enough to train.
- Training and technique advice, from running load to how your sport stresses the injured area.
- Sports massage alongside your rehab if you’d like it, with our sports massage therapists in the same clinic.
Return to sport, measured
Deciding when you’re ready is the hardest part of any sports injury. Feeling better isn’t the same as being ready, particularly after knee and ankle injuries, where one leg can be noticeably weaker without you being aware of it.
We use VALD ForceDecks force plates to measure strength, jumping, landing and the difference between your two sides, then repeat the tests as you progress. ForceDecks testing is included in your physiotherapy at no extra cost when your physio thinks it will help. The results don’t decide on their own whether you’re ready, but alongside how you move and how you feel, they make the decision much clearer. Find out more about ForceDecks testing.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. We’ll ask how the injury happened, what your training looks like and what you’re aiming for, whether that’s a parkrun personal best, the end of the football season or simply running without pain again. Then we’ll examine you, test the area properly and explain what we find.
Hands-on treatment usually starts in the same session, and you’ll leave with a diagnosis, a plan for training in the meantime and your first rehab exercises. Bring your trainers and any kit you’d normally use, and your training plan or running app if you have one.
When to go to A&E first
Most sports injuries can be assessed here first, including a knee that locks or won’t straighten. Go to A&E or a Minor Injuries Unit before booking physio if:
- You think you may have broken a bone, for example you can’t put any weight on the leg, or a bone is very tender to press after a fall or collision
- You’ve had a blow to the head and have a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion or drowsiness, or you were knocked out. If in doubt, stop playing and get checked.
- You’ve hurt your neck or back in a fall or collision, especially if you have numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
Who you'll see
Martin Ratcliffe specialises in ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning, and continues to work with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Under-23s. He’s a keen runner and golfer himself. Kirk Proto has specialist experience in rehabilitation after knee and hip surgery, as well as knee, ankle and shoulder injuries, and enjoys CrossFit and cricket. Both are chartered physiotherapists who also offer medical acupuncture.
Martin Ratcliffe
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist
Martin is a Chartered Physiotherapist with extensive experience in both private practice and elite sport. After completing a degree in Sport and Exercise Science in Liverpool, he went on to qualify in Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton. His early experience in musculoskeletal outpatient care laid the foundation for his passion for rehabilitation and patient-centred recovery.
Martin has a strong clinical interest in knee injuries, particularly ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning. He continues to work with the Brighton & Hove Albion Under-23s, where he plays an active role in the assessment, treatment, and performance management of developing professional athletes. This ongoing involvement in elite football has sharpened his understanding of high-level rehab and the demands of returning to sport both physically and mentally.
At The Health Hub, Martin combines hands-on treatment with tailored, progressive exercise rehabilitation. Whether you’re recovering from ACL surgery, managing chronic knee pain, or aiming to return to sport with confidence, Martin delivers expert, evidence-based care to support your recovery every step of the way.
A keen runner and golfer, Martin brings a real-world understanding of movement and performance to his clinical work, helping patients get back to doing what they love.
Martin works with a number of private healthcare insurance companies including AXA, AVIVA, Simply Health, WPA, Westfield and bhsf.
Insurers Martin Works With
Kirk Proto
Physiotherapist,
Acupuncture Physiotherapist
Kirk is a dedicated Chartered Physiotherapist who retrained following a successful career in the finance sector, graduating from the University of Brighton. He has since built a strong clinical reputation for his thorough, evidence-based approach and is also qualified in medical acupuncture.
With a personal passion for health and fitness, including CrossFit and cricket, Kirk brings both clinical expertise and real-world insight to his work. He treats a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular interest in helping patients manage chronic low back pain and nerve-related symptoms, including those caused by spinal disc herniations.
Kirk also has specialist experience in post-operative rehabilitation, particularly following knee and hip surgeries, as well as injuries to the knee, ankle, and shoulder. He uses a tailored combination of techniques including soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and exercise-based rehab, focusing not just on relieving pain but on restoring function and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy most.
Kirk is recognised by several major private healthcare providers, including AXA, AVIVA, Simply Health, WPA, Westfield, and bhsf.
Insurers Kirk Works With
Prices and insurance
- Initial physiotherapy assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
ForceDecks testing is included in your physiotherapy at no extra cost when your physio thinks it will help. No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Martin and Kirk are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Check with your insurer before booking, as policies vary.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we’re often asked about sports physiotherapy.
- Do I need to be a serious athlete?
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Not at all. Most of the people we see play sport for fun, whether that’s a weekly five-a-side, parkrun, golf or the gym.
- Should I keep training while I'm injured?
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Often, yes, in a modified way. Complete rest is rarely the best approach. We’ll tell you what’s sensible to keep doing and what to stop for now.
- When should I see a physio rather than wait?
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If an injury hasn’t started to improve within a week or two, keeps coming back or is stopping you training, it’s worth getting it assessed. Sooner is better after a twisting knee injury, or if a joint feels unstable.
- Can you help me avoid getting injured again?
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We can find weaknesses and differences between your two sides, build them into your programme and test them before you go back. Nobody can guarantee you won’t be injured again, but planning your return carefully is one of the most useful things you can do.
- Does ForceDecks testing cost extra?
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No. When it’s useful, it’s included in your physiotherapy appointment.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If an injury is getting in the way of your training, book a sports physiotherapy assessment online or call us on 01444 817851.
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