At Hekas Sports Therapy, we help athletes feel better, move better and perform better. We recently welcomed Funmi Fadoju (@funmi_fadoju on instagram), an England netball player, to our Manchester clinic where we also provide tailored sports therapy for netball players.
Funmi plays in defensive positions, including goal defence, goalkeeper and wing defence. These roles need speed, balance, strength and reactions. A defender must jump, turn, reach for the ball and change direction within seconds. Funmi has represented England and helped the team win silver at the 2023 Netball World Cup. You can read more about her career on her England Netball profile and the Team England website.
Why movement matters in netball
Netball places a lot of pressure on the body. Players run, stop, land, turn and jump throughout a match. They also reach, catch and throw the ball from different positions.
For these movements to feel smooth, the hips, back, shoulders and legs need to work together. Tightness in one part of the body can make another movement feel harder. This does not always mean that an athlete has an injury, but it can affect comfort and movement.
Funmi’s main areas of tightness
During Funmi’s visit, we focused on two main areas. The first was her hip, which felt tight. The second was her right shoulder and scapula.
The scapula is the shoulder blade. It supports the shoulder and helps the arm move when reaching, catching and throwing. If the muscles around the shoulder blade feel tight, the arm may not move as freely as the player would like.
Before starting treatment, we checked how Funmi moved. Every athlete moves differently, so we create each session around the person instead of using the same treatment for everyone.
Working on the tight hip
Good hip movement is important in netball. The hips help a player turn, jump, land and move from side to side. They also support balance when the player stops or changes direction.
We used hands-on sports therapy techniques around Funmi’s hip. The aim was to reduce the feeling of tightness and help the area move more freely.
Our intensive sports massage sessions support athletes who feel tight after hard training or repeated matches. Each treatment is based on the person’s needs and the movements used in their sport.
Opening the right shoulder and scapula
We also worked around Funmi’s right shoulder and shoulder blade. Our aim was to create more freedom when she moved her arm and threw the ball.
Throwing in netball is not only an arm movement. The shoulder blade, upper back and chest help the arm move. The hips and body also help create control and power. When these areas work together, passing can feel smoother and easier.
We used hands-on techniques around the shoulder and scapula to support better movement. Our manual therapy and IASTM service helps people dealing with muscle tightness, stiffness and limited movement.
After the session, Funmi felt that her right shoulder was more open. She also had more freedom when making a throwing movement. This was the main goal of the session.
Sports therapy is not only for injuries
Many people think they should only visit a sports therapist when they are injured. Sports therapy can also support movement and recovery.
Regular sessions can help athletes notice tight areas early. They can also support recovery after training and help athletes understand how their bodies are moving.
At Hekas, we work with professional athletes, academy players, gym users, runners and active people. You do not need to compete at a high level to receive support. Explore our sports therapy services to find the right option for your needs.
Thank you, Funmi
It was a pleasure to welcome Funmi Fadoju to Hekas Sports Therapy. Her hard work, energy and success in netball make her an inspiring athlete.
We were happy to help her work on her tight hip and create more freedom around her right shoulder and scapula. We wish her the best with her training, matches and goals.
If your hips, shoulders or other muscles feel tight, book a session with Hekas Sports Therapy. Our team will check your movement, listen to your concerns and create a treatment plan based on your needs.
