Physical Therapists for Sports Injuries

Injured from activity in a sport? You’re not alone. Professional athletes are prone to injuries due to the excessive wear and tear associated with the demands of competitive sports. On the other hand, weekend warriors (you and I) are often injured because our brain thinks we can do things that our body can’t! Couple that with being out of shape, and you are likely headed to see a physical therapist on Monday morning.

 Sports Injuries

Sports injuries, by definition, include injuries involving the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of bones, tissues, muscles, and cartilage. Every injury is different and every person heals differently. The purpose of rehabilitation with physical therapists is to help the injured tissues recover in a controlled and supervised manner. It takes time for an injury to heal, and it’s best to seek the guidance of an experienced physical therapist during this time. Physical therapists are specially trained at designing safe and effective recovery programs specifically geared towards an individual’s abilities. Physical therapists can 1) identify the cause of the injury, 2) create a treatment plan, and 3) also teach injury prevention to keep you on the field.

Some of the most common sports injuries include sprains, strains, shin splints and knee injuries. If you or someone you know is injured, schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist as quickly as possible.

Physical Therapy – The Right Choice

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals with extensive training in the musculoskeletal system. The therapist can work closely with athletes to assess muscle imbalance, range of motion and functional requirements of that particular sport. For example, a baseball pitcher may need a shoulder stabilization program; while a basketball player may need a speed and plyometric (explosive strength) training program. Physical therapists can evaluate, identify, and plan a sport-specific injury prevention and (once the injury is treated) an athletic performance program that can help the athlete regain full potential.

As part of the therapy program, therapists teach stretches and exercises; often using special equipment to reach specific goals. Therapy focuses on reducing pain and improving function as quickly as possible. Rest is an important part of the recovery process. Rest, combined with physical therapy, is the best recipe for recovery after being injured.

Don’t Wait For an Injury…

An injury is the last thing an athlete wants. Without properly rehabilitation, the damage can get worse. Physical therapists will help the athlete heal and return to normal. In many cases, therapy can also  help to strengthen a particular areas to avoid future injuries. Working with a physical therapist requires time and patience. However, it’s the best for the athlete to resume and continue sport. It’s a great way to come back to the sport you love and enjoy it, while minimizing the likelihood of re-injury.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a sports injury, consider working with a physical therapist. In fact, you don’t have to wait till you are injured, because a physical therapist can help an athlete improve performance and minimize injury. A preventive, proactive approach is likely to help athletes even more. Physical therapists will design the right program and get you great results!