Expert comment: The sports stars staying at the top of their game for longer

“There’s growing awareness of how modern sports medicine supports longevity in sport.

“Advances in individualised rehabilitation, detailed injury assessment, and a stronger focus on strength and conditioning, are all helping people maintain muscle mass, joint stability, and improve bone density – key factors in reducing injury risk as we age.

“Some strategies athletes may use to promote longevity include:

• Improved injury diagnosis and monitoring through detailed musculoskeletal assessments and strength profiling
• Individualised rehabilitation programmes, tailored to the athlete’s capacity, sport and lifestyle
• Greater emphasis on strength and conditioning, helping maintain muscle mass, bone density, joint stability, and resilience
• Enhanced recovery strategies, including load management, nutrition, sleep optimisation and physiotherapy techniques 

“These benefits aren’t limited to elite athletes – for anyone returning to sport later in life, starting with a structured assessment, progressing gradually, and prioritising strength training, recovery, and preventative pre-habilitation strategies can make a significant difference.

“For individuals returning to sport at an older age, our advice is to understand baseline strength, mobility, and any underlying issues, and progress with a clear, staged plan, rather than rushing back to full activity.

“It is also important to listen to your body and ensure adequate recovery time between sessions - ‘No Pain, No Gain’ is NOT the way!

“Also, seek guidance early – professional input can reduce the risk of permanent injury and improve long-term outcomes.”

At the University of Salford, our student-led Sports Injury Clinic is helping more people stay active, recover from injury and return to sport with confidence. Offering full musculoskeletal (MSK) assessments, diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and strength testing, our clinic provides high-quality, evidence-based care under expert supervision – supporting not only rehabilitation but also pre-habilitation to reduce injury risk before problems occur.

Whether you’re getting back into activity or looking to stay active for longer, our clinic offers a supportive and accessible environment to help you achieve it.