1. The Calf: The Runner’s Achilles Heel (Ty Okada)
During the game, player Ty Okada had to leave the field due to a calf injury.
What is it? The calf is your propulsion engine. An injury often occurs during sudden acceleration (like sprinting in soccer). It feels like being “whipped” on the back of the leg.
The Physio’s Tip: Never neglect a dynamic warm-up before explosive effort. If you feel frequent tension in your calves, a running analysis could reveal that you run too much on your toes, overloading this area unnecessarily.
2. Hamstrings: When Fatigue Sets In (Joshua Farmer)
Defensive lineman Joshua Farmer missed the game due to a hamstring injury (back of the thigh). Even the most powerful players aren’t immune.
What is it? This muscle is crucial for stabilizing your knee and pelvis. Often, it gets injured not due to a lack of brute strength, but because it is overworked. If it has to “compensate” for weak glutes or stiffness in the lower back, it ends up exhausted and tears.
The Physio’s Tip: If you have recurring pain behind the thigh, rest alone isn’t enough (the injury will return as soon as you resume sports). At NxtG, our approach to physiotherapy isn’t limited to looking at your leg. We evaluate your back mobility and pelvic control to find the root of the problem. Is it a back blockage? Weakness elsewhere? The goal is to correct your mechanics with specific exercises and manual therapy so the hamstring stops compensating unnecessarily.
3. The Head Comes First (Jaxon Smith-Njigba)
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had to momentarily leave the game to be evaluated for a concussion. Fortunately for him, he was able to return to play!
The Physio’s Tip: Whether skiing, playing hockey, or cycling, a hit to the head is never trivial. If you feel headaches, dizziness, or fatigue after an impact, the first step is always to consult a doctor to get a clear diagnosis and rule out immediate danger. Once you get the medical green light, that’s where we take over to treat your lingering symptoms.
At NxtG PHYSIO, we guide you toward complete recovery thanks to:
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Our concussion management protocols for a step-by-step return to play (and work).
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Our specialized Cranial and TMJ Therapy service, ideal for relieving headaches and jaw tension often caused by cervical trauma.
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Osteopathy, which allows for gentle work on cranial and cervical tensions to optimize your recovery.
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4. Playing Through Pain: Smart Management (Landry & Spillane)
Several players, like Harold Landry (knee) and Robert Spillane (ankle), were questionable before the game but played anyway.
The Lesson for You: Having pain doesn’t always mean a complete stop to sports. This is where “load management” comes in. With good taping (athletic taping) and adapted exercises, a physiotherapist can often allow you to keep moving without worsening the situation, all while treating the problem.
Conclusion: You Deserve a Pro Team Too
Super Bowl players have an army of therapists looking after them. The good news? You have NxtG PHYSIO.
You don’t need to be an NFL athlete to take care of your body. Whether for knee pain, neck tension, or simply to improve your performance, our team is here to treat you like a pro.
Is pain stopping you from performing at 100%? Click right here to book an appointment today for a complete evaluation.
