Greater Western Sydney Giants captain Stephen Coniglio has made a surprising revelation about his recovery from a severe ankle injury—he turned to Botox injections to accelerate the healing process.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who suffered a syndesmosis injury earlier this season, opted for the unconventional treatment after consulting with medical experts. The procedure, which involves injecting botulinum toxin to relax muscles and reduce strain on the injured area, has previously been used by Fremantle Dockers superstar Nat Fyfe.
Why Botox for Injuries?
Botox, commonly associated with cosmetic procedures, has gained traction in sports medicine for its ability to aid recovery. By temporarily paralysing surrounding muscles, it allows damaged ligaments and tendons to heal without additional stress.
"It’s not something you hear about every day, but the medical team suggested it could help," Coniglio explained. "After seeing how it benefited Nat [Fyfe], I was open to trying anything to get back on the field sooner."
Nat Fyfe’s Influence
Fremantle’s dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe famously used Botox to treat a persistent hamstring issue in 2020. His success with the method has since inspired other AFL players to consider it as a viable option for soft-tissue injuries.
Coniglio’s recovery has been closely monitored by GWS’s medical staff, who report significant progress. While the treatment remains unconventional, its growing acceptance in elite sports could see more athletes turning to Botox for injury management.
What’s Next for Coniglio?
The Giants skipper is now in the final stages of rehabilitation and is expected to return to training in the coming weeks. Fans are hopeful he’ll be back in action before the end of the season, providing a much-needed boost for GWS’s finals campaign.
"I’m feeling stronger every day," Coniglio said. "The main focus is making sure I’m 100% before I step back onto the field."
