SPORTS INJURIES
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, sports injuries are a fact of life. A twisted ankle or an aching back can usually be treated at home But for those breaks and tears that call for immediate medical attention, or those pains that just aren’t going away, physical therapy is often a critical part of the healing process.
Sports-related injuries can occur due to a number of common issues that can be addressed at Manual Physical Therapy Specialists. These include direct trauma or injury, overuse injuries, training errors, use of improper equipment, or even muscle imbalances.
COMMON SPORTS INJURIES
Whether it's an immediate, dramatic break or damage that accumulates over time, sports can do some serious damage. The workout-related problems we frequently treat include:
Repetitive stress conditions. Arthritis and tendonitis often stem from sports moves like swinging a racket or throwing a ball. Joints and muscles can become inflamed in vulnerable areas, including shoulders, elbows, hips, ankles, and knees.
Torn tendons and ligaments. Those dramatic jumps, twists, and stretches can result in equally dramatic "snapped" tissues, especially in the knees, shoulders, and groin. Surgery followed by physical therapy is often the prescription.
Strained back. Sometimes that sore lower back pain just won't go away with basic home care. In such cases, we'll work with you to rebuild strength and flexibility.
Fractures and breaks. When you have a bone injury during a game or workout, a trip to the emergency room results in a cast to promote healing. But as your bone is recovering, the muscles around it are weakening. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the affected area following a fracture.
REHAB THERAPY
Some sports injuries require surgery or other medical procedures as the first line of defense. In fact, postoperative physical therapy is key for transitioning back to normalcy. Similarly, when your injury requires a cast or some form of bracing, our team will help you rebound from the diminished strength and range of movement that happens while the limb is out of commission.
At MPTS, we look at all of these factors to facilitate you in a timely return to your sport through a treatment plan designed to fit an athlete'/'s unique needs, whether they are a weekend warrior, a high school athlete, or an elite athlete. For most athletes, improvements in agility and coordination can also be appreciated.
PREVENTION
Athletes know that the best way to avoid injury or re-injury is to build up strength and flexibility. Working out at the gym is great, but our physical therapists will guide you through specific moves that help you avoid future injuries based on your sport and your specific build. We'll also talk you through strategies you can implement when you're back on the field.
Early intervention rehabilitation is a key component in order to reduce swelling and inflammation while increasing circulation, decreasing pain, and reducing muscle atrophy. Prompt, effective, hands-on care is important to returning competitive athletes to their peak performance levels, and at MPTS, we are dedicated to providing the most current evidence-based sports medicine care possible. This helps to ensure not only a speedy recovery but the best treatment possible to ensure you will maintain your competitive edge.
GET "BACK ON TRACK" ASAP
Don't wait to begin your sports injury recovery or prevention program. Our dedicated team is trained in the specific art of dealing with sports injuries, and we'll have you back to fighting form in no time! Call our sports injury clinic to schedule an appointment to get back to the sport you love as soon as possible.