Female Athletes
Jacinta is one of only two physiotherapists in New Zealand involved in WHISPA – Healthy Women in Sport: A Performance Advantage, an initiative she has contributed to since its launch in 2018.
This High Performance Sport New Zealand programme brings together a specialist working group of leading sports medicine experts, alongside endocrinologists and scientists. Their goal? To deliver cutting-edge care for female athletes, empowering them to compete at the highest level.
With the rapid rise of professional women’s sport in New Zealand—and Sport NZ’s increased focus on female participation—this is an exciting and pivotal space to work in.
Why Female Athletes Need Tailored Support
Women are not simply small men! Their unique physiology demands specific approaches to nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, and performance optimisation.
The Small Details Make the Biggest Difference
Consistency is key. Athletes who complete over 70% of their planned training load in a year are seven times more likely to reach their performance goals.
Research consistently proves that teams with the fewest injuries win the most. Yet 40% of injuries occur because of a previous one—making prevention absolutely critical.
Something as simple as a proper, sport-specific warm-up—executed with correct technique—can reduce:
- All injuries by up to 30%
- Severe injuries (like ACL tears) by over 50%
Take Control of Your Performance
Learn how your menstrual cycle impacts performance, how to design a personalised injury prevention plan, and connect with top sports medicine specialists in this field.
Whether you’re an elite competitor, a teenage athlete, or a masters sportsperson, these strategies can elevate your game.
Ready to optimise performance?
Book a consultation today or email jacinta@mountsidephysio.co.nz
Further Reading:
⚕️ Sport NZ – Women & Girls in Sport
⚕️ NZ Herald: Gender Equality in Sport
⚕️ Stuff: Kiwi Women Outshining Men at Olympics