How Injury shaped my path as a physio
by Thomas Wigg
Injuries have a way of changing us in ways we don’t always expect. For me, what started as a setback became the foundation of a career I’m passionate about today. This is the story of how a sports injury led me to the field of physiotherapy, where I now help others overcome their pain and regain the confidence to pursue what they love.
The Injury That Changed Everything
In my early teens, I experienced an adductor tear (groin strain) that ended up being a defining moment in my life. Back then, I was playing field hockey in both junior and senior competitions, along with Division 1 tennis at the Coatesville Tennis Club. My weekly schedule was packed: one hockey training, two tennis practices, and a swim squad session… needless to say, I was incredibly active. I had dreams of competing professionally, and I lived by a “no pain, no gain” mindset. Looking back, it was this drive that eventually led to my first injury.
I remember it vividly. It was the end of the season, with hockey finals just around the corner, and I’d recently won a gold medal with my tennis team. After that tournament, I felt a bit sore, but I pushed on through. At hockey training, I i pushed through the burning pain along the inside of my thigh and hen I sprinted after a ball, I felt a distinct “pop” and that was the last time I ran that season.
What happens when you don’t get help?
At the time, I didn’t realize I’d actually torn a muscle. I assumed it was just the same burning sensation you feel after an intense workout or a long run. I figured I just had the typical “jelly legs” and that the pain would disappear on its own, as it always had before. But this time was different—the pain didn’t go away, and soon I found myself unable to run or even walk up the smallest incline at Southland Shopping Centre. I ended up taking a full year off from sports to recover. But when I returned at 16, determined to get back into the game, I found myself dealing with the same injury, only this time it hit even earlier in the season.
A Growing Passion for Anatomy and Movement
This time, I decided to see a physio. Around the same time, I started studying anatomy in school and became fascinated with learning how muscles, bones, and joints work together to enable movement. My physio was fantastic. Not only did he give me exercises to help with recovery, but they also took the time to explain how my injury occurred and connected it to what I was learning in class. That was the moment I knew I wanted to become a physiotherapist.
My Journey to Becoming a Physiotherapist
That early passion for anatomy, sports and injury rehab led me to pursue a Bachelor of Health Science at La Trobe University (Co-majoring in Human Anatomy and Physiology), followed by a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. Those years, further developed my passion for anatomy and the movement science, and I was loving every second of quietly analysing a sports injury whenever I saw one.
How My Injury Experience Shapes My Practice Today
I knew that my experience as an injured athlete gave me a unique perspective that would help me support others on their recovery journeys and now, as a physiotherapist, I’m committed to sharing what I’ve learned. I focus on educating my clients about their injuries and the importance of injury prevention. Whether I’m working with sporty kids, members of the local community, or grassroots level athletes, I emphasize a proactive approach to health. I want my clients to leave each session with the confidence that they are in the right hands and have the tools to manage their own well-being in the future.
Looking Ahead
While my injury took me off the field during a time where I believe it hindered my athletic potential, it set me on a path that I’m incredibly grateful for. I am now here to help others avoid the same mistakes I made and to show them that recovery is possible. If you’re facing an injury right now, know that you’re not alone. With the right support, you can come back stronger and get back to doing what you love.