PRIMUS PHYSIO
Expert rehabilitation for footballers, runners and gym athletes in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent — backed by elite academy football experience at Port Vale FC.
Your first session is £60 (60 minutes) — full assessment, diagnosis and hands-on treatment combined. Follow-up sessions are £40 (30 minutes). No GP referral needed.
As formerly Head Academy Physiotherapist at Port Vale FC, rehabilitation is taken beyond the clinic and onto the pitch, gym and sport-specific environment — where the real demands of your sport are replicated.
This includes graded return-to-running, change of direction work, strength progressions and sport-specific criteria testing — ensuring you return confident, strong and ready to perform.
The same evidence-based protocols used to rehabilitate professional academy footballers are applied to every patient — whether you play Sunday league, compete in marathons or train in the gym.
Working pitchside with Farid Alfa-Ruprecht — formerly Manchester City Academy, currently Bayer Leverkusen pathway.
Each injury has a different recovery timeline and treatment approach. Here's what to expect from the most common sports injuries we see.
The most complex sports rehabilitation pathway. Whether managing conservatively or post-surgery, each phase must be completed with objective criteria before progression. Rushing increases re-injury risk substantially.
9–12 months to return to sportOne of the most commonly re-injured muscles in sport. Graded rehabilitation addressing eccentric strength, running mechanics and return-to-sprint criteria is essential to prevent recurrence.
2–12 weeks depending on gradePoorly rehabilitated ankle sprains are the leading cause of chronic ankle instability. Proprioception retraining and progressive loading are essential — not just rest until pain settles.
6–12 weeks full rehabilitationCommon in footballers and sprinters. Adductor injuries, hip flexor strains and sports hernias each require a specific loading approach and progressive return to kicking and sprinting.
3–10 weeks depending on severityMCL injuries are often managed conservatively with excellent outcomes. PCL and combined injuries require more structured rehabilitation. Strength symmetry and proprioception testing guide return to contact sport.
4–16 weeks depending on gradeCalf strains and Achilles tendinopathy are especially common in runners and field sport athletes. Progressive loading — not rest — is the cornerstone of effective treatment for both.
4–12 weeksCommon in overhead sports — cricket, tennis, swimming, rugby. Rotator cuff strains, shoulder impingement and labral injuries all require sport-specific rehabilitation and return-to-throwing protocols.
6–16 weeksOveruse injuries common in runners and field sport players. Distinguishing between shin splints (MTSS) and stress fractures requires careful assessment. Both need structured load management and progressive return to running.
4–12 weeksMeniscal tears are common in contact sport and pivoting activities. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tear — many respond well to physiotherapy without surgery. Post-surgical rehab following meniscus repair requires a carefully graded return to sport.
6–16 weeks depending on managementOveruse injury of the patella tendon common in jumping sports — basketball, volleyball and football. Responds well to progressive tendon loading programmes. Often mismanaged with rest alone, which delays recovery significantly.
6–12 weeks with correct loadingA structured, criteria-based approach — not just pain relief. Every phase has specific goals that must be met before progression.
Full clinical assessment to diagnose the injury, grade severity and identify contributing factors — not just where it hurts.
Objective strength, movement and functional tests at each phase — ensuring you return when you're physically ready, not just pain-free.
Progressive loading of the injured structure and surrounding muscles — the foundation of lasting recovery and re-injury prevention.
Graded running progression from walk-to-run through to sprinting, change of direction and sport-specific movement.
Training load advice to progress safely without overloading healing tissue — particularly important for tendons and stress injuries.
Addressing the underlying weaknesses and movement patterns that caused the injury — to prevent it happening again.
Progress between phases is determined by meeting objective criteria — not just time. This is what separates evidence-based sports rehab from guesswork.
Control swelling, restore baseline movement, begin early strengthening.
Progressive loading to restore full strength and symmetry vs uninjured side.
Graded running — walk/jog intervals through to full-speed sprinting.
Change of direction, contact drills and sport-specific movements with full load.
Criteria met, confidence restored, clear plan for long-term injury prevention.
Experience supporting athletes through injury and return-to-play across professional and academy football environments.
Players listed represent individuals worked with in a professional or academy environment. No official endorsement implied.
From elite footballers to weekend warriors — if sport is part of your life and injury is getting in the way, we can help.
ACL rehab, hamstring injuries, ankle sprains and return-to-play at any level from grassroots to academy.
Shin splints, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures and structured return-to-running programmes.
Lifting injuries, muscle strains, tendon problems and confident return to training.
High-impact injury rehab including shoulder, knee and ankle injuries with contact-specific return-to-play.
Impact injury rehab, mobility restoration and return to sparring and competition.
"Knee pain from a running injury had stopped my training. Luqman reduced the pain both during and after running, gave me exercises in between sessions and I ran the Stafford Half at almost 100%. Very happy with the results."
— Gary Lovell"Sorted my injury quickly and got me back to the gym with a clear plan. Knew exactly what was causing the problem."
— Balal B"My goal was to run the London Marathon with aggravated knee pain. Without visiting Luqman I'm not sure I would have achieved that goal. Incredible knowledge and action plans for every session."
— Thomas Hulmeformerly Head Academy Physiotherapist at Port Vale FC
Criteria-based return to sport — not just pain-free
Elite football rehabilitation protocols applied to all patients
NHS Band 6 & GP First Contact Practitioner experience
Strength-based rehabilitation approach
Same-week appointments, evenings & weekends
Advice and guides from Luqman on related topics.
Same-week appointments in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Elite rehabilitation principles. No GP referral needed.
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