From Sweden to the Maldives: Delivering Expert Sports Injury Treatment to Maldivians

The demand for futsal facilities in Malé and across the islands is consistently high, while securing a slot on a badminton court can be a challenge. In places without formal facilities, locals have long improvised, playing volleyball with nets tied between coconut trees or enjoying football on sandy pitches.

Sports are an essential part of life in the Maldives, deeply woven into the nation’s culture and community spirit. They are not only a source of joy and entertainment but also a vital contributor to physical health and social connection.

This passion for sport keeps communities active and healthy, but it also brings the risk of injury. Whether you are a seasoned player or a casual participant, a sports injury can sideline you, and without proper treatment, delay your return to the game you love.

While treatment for sports injuries, as well as for bone, tendon, and ligament conditions, is available in the Maldives, there is always a desire for further advancements. One year ago, Treetop Hospital took a significant step forward in this regard by bringing in a specialist dedicated to sports medicine and orthopedic care.

Over the past year, Dr. Magnus Olof Odquist, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon from Sweden, has made a significant impact on both professional athletes and the general public. He has treated numerous elite sports professionals in Sweden and South Africa, as well as many Maldivian athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Known for his approachable manner, warm smile, and professional expertise, he brings a personal understanding to his work.

“I was a high jumper in my youth,” he recalls. “I had some overload injuries, not an ACL tear, but enough to make me stop competing at 18 or 19. I know what it feels like to lose something you love because of an injury.”

This empathy, combined with more than a decade of advanced training, sets him apart. After earning his medical degree from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Dr. Magnus completed his orthopedic residency at Danderyd University Hospital. He went on to complete a Fellowship in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, and Research at the Sports Science Orthopedic Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2020, he earned his PhD in Medical Science on shoulder orthopedics from the Karolinska Institute.

• Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Head of Department, Aleris Ortopedi Täby, Stockholm

• Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, CEO, and CMO, Orthocenter Stockholm

• Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and CMO, Capio Artro Clinic, Stockholm

• Orthopedic Surgeon, Capio Artro Clinic, Stockholm

Dr. Magnus has worked across continents, but his mission remains constant.

“Whether you are an elite athlete or a recreational player, the goal is to get you back to doing what you love, safely and fully recovered.”

While Dr. Magnus has treated many elite-level athletes, he stresses that sports injuries are not limited to professionals.

“If you play football with friends on the weekend and get injured, that is a sports injury, and it deserves proper care.”

In the Maldives, where people often remain active well into their 40s and beyond, he frequently treats knee and ankle injuries, particularly from football.

“Some patients come to me at 45 saying, ‘I want surgery because I want to play again.’ That passion for sport is fantastic. It is what makes this work so rewarding.”

At Treetop Hospital, Dr. Magnus specializes in arthroscopic surgery, a modern, minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera for a clearer view, less scarring, less pain, and faster recovery.

“Open surgery for soft tissue knee or shoulder injuries is no longer the standard. Arthroscopy is the modern way to treat them.”

• ACL reconstruction for knee ligament injuries

• Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair and stabilization after dislocation

• Treatment for overuse injuries such as tennis elbow or swimmer’s shoulder

• Personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s sport and lifestyle

• Advanced arthroscopic surgeries of the knee and shoulder

By combining precise surgical techniques with customized rehabilitation plans, Dr. Magnus helps patients return to their chosen activities with confidence, whether it is a competitive match or a weekend game with friends.

“I can do my part, the best operation I can, but the patient must do theirs. Commit to proper rehab. Physiotherapy is always part of the process, even after surgery.”

With Treetop Hospital’s dedicated physiotherapy department, patients have access to complete care from diagnosis to full recovery without needing to travel abroad.

“That is a big advantage here. We have the facilities and expertise to manage almost any sports injury locally.”

In just one year, Dr. Magnus has embraced island life.

“People are very friendly, the climate is excellent, and it is a beautiful country. My wife and youngest daughter are here with me, and she is going to school here.”

He also lives by the advice he gives his patients. A regular on the Malé tennis courts, he plays three mornings a week from 6 to 7 a.m., trains with a coach, and participates in local tournaments.

“Whether it is walking, swimming, or strength training, moving regularly is the best investment in your health. But start smart. If you have been inactive or have extra weight, mix low-impact activities with strength work to avoid injury.”

For anyone dealing with a sports injury, whether from football, badminton, running, or even a long-standing untreated problem, Dr. Magnus Olof Odquist offers a rare combination of international expertise, surgical skill, and genuine understanding. His mission is to help Maldivians get back on their feet, back on the field, and back to doing what they love.