Physios giving athletes helping hand

There's one tent at the Masters Games Village that has been very busy in the past few days: the tent housing the physio and massage services.

Deborah McEwen from McEwen Physiotherapy said she had had a steady flow of clients coming in for injuries such as torn calf muscles and achilles tendonitis.

"Now that sports like touch, basketball, netball and football have started, we've had a steady stream of people coming through," Ms McEwen said.

She said the dry weather meant the ground was very hard and was tough on athletes' bodies when they ran or jumped.

The two worst injuries Ms McEwen has seen are a ruptured achilles and a broken bone. These were referred to Wanganui Hospital. But she has been impressed by the care most athletes are taking of their bodies.

"They're older people, but they're mostly very fit, and they respond well to treatment. We've got some people coming in everyday for treatment."

Meanwhile, just across the tent, four massage therapists are working hard to soothe the athletes' sore bodies.

"People come in here for a variety of reasons, from easing aches and pains to relaxation," said Graham Jeffries from Bodyzone and Amie Simpson from Springvale Massage Therapy.

Mr Jeffries said business had been quiet to begin with but was becoming busier as the Games progressed.