Women's Football Hub

Edited by Carolyn Kent

Introduction

Breast health is often overlooked in sports, yet it plays a crucial role in female athletes’ comfort, posture, and performance. In our latest Women’s Football Hub podcast, we sat down with Professor Deirdre McGhee, an expert in breast biomechanics and injury prevention. With over 20 years of experience as a sports physiotherapist and researcher, she has led groundbreaking studies on how sports bras impact athletic performance.

The Importance of Proper Breast Support in Sports

Professor McGhee shared how she first became interested in breast biomechanics while treating women with neck and shoulder pain. She noticed that poorly fitted bras were affecting posture and movement, leading to discomfort and even injury.

For female footballers, breast movement during running, jumping, and rapid directional changes can cause discomfort and negatively impact performance. Uncontrolled breast movement leads to muscle bracing, which affects posture and can even limit shoulder mobility—crucial for goalkeepers and outfield players alike.

A properly fitted sports bra can:

• Reduce excessive breast movement, improving comfort.
• Enhance posture, optimising shoulder mobility and strength.
• Improve running efficiency
• Lower the risk of breast-related pain and injuries.

Choosing the Right Sports Bra

Professor McGhee outlined the three main types of sports bras available:

1. Compression Bras (Crop Tops): Hold breasts against the chest wall, reducing movement.
2. Encapsulation Bras: Separate and lift each breast, providing support.
3. Combination Bras: A combination of compression and encapsulation, offering both lift and support.

Key factors to consider when selecting a sports bra include: ✔️ Wide, supportive straps to distribute weight evenly. ✔️ A firm yet comfortable band to provide lift and stability. ✔️ High-quality, durable materials for long-lasting support. ✔️ Full breast coverage to prevent excessive movement.

To help athletes and coaches make informed choices, Professor McGhee developed a free, globally accessible sports bra app that provides guidance on finding the right fit. Check out www.bra.edu.au for more details.

Addressing Breast Pain and Injuries in Football

Many female athletes experience breast pain due to movement, hormonal changes, or direct impact during play, yet many cases go unreported. Professor McGhee emphasised the need for open conversations about breast health and encouraged physiotherapists and coaches to create a safe environment for female athletes to discuss these issues.

Common injuries include:

• Impact injuries (elbows, falls, or ball strikes leading to bruising and swelling).
• Chafing from ill-fitting bras, causing skin irritation and discomfort.

Proper breast care and the use of well-fitted sports bras can significantly reduce pain, improve performance, and enhance overall well-being.

The Future of Breast Health in Sports

Professor McGhee is passionate about integrating breast health education into sports programs. She believes this is a crucial step in the broader movement for female athlete well-being, alongside issues like menstrual health, pelvic health, and postpartum recovery.

As sports science advances, materials and design improvements in sports bras continue to enhance comfort and durability. However, the most significant change will come from normalising conversations about breast health and ensuring athletes have access to proper support and education.

Final Takeaways

💡 Sports bras are essential sports equipment—just like boots and shin guards.

💡 Female athletes should prioritise breast health to optimise performance.

💡 Coaches and physiotherapists must foster a supportive environment for discussing these issues.

💡 Proper care, fit, and selection of sports bras can prevent discomfort and injuries.

Want to Learn More?

🔗 Check out the free sports bra app: www.bra.edu.au

🔗 Visit Breast Research Australia for in-depth studies.

🔗 Explore the Australian Institute of Sport’s Female Performance and Health Initiative (AIS FPHI).

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!

This blog post was created with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).