Sports Injuries
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, a sports injury can be lethal. 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.
Have you sustained one of these sports injuries?
There are a number of different injuries that can occur while performing an athletic activity. However, the most common forms of sports injury include:
Strain or “pulled muscle”
A strain, often referred to as a “pulled muscle”, happens when the muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. Once the muscle or tendon has been damaged, it is more likely to be injured again.
Shin splints
Medial tibial stress syndrome is the medical term for shin splints. Usually, this pain is caused by tension exerted on the shinbone and the underlying connective tissues.
Shin splints are painful and frequently debilitating. However, wearing proper footwear, warming up before exercise, and strengthening your muscles can prevent them.
Sprain
When a ligament linking one bone to another is stretched beyond its limits, a sprain occurs. When it happens one time, it’s more likely to happen again.
Knee injuries
Your knee is one of the most complicated and injured joints in the body.
Knee injuries can include dull aches that extend from your hip to your knee, injuries that make moving the knee painful for repeated use, or more serious injuries such as an ACL tear.
Common causes of sports injuries
One of the best things you can do for a sports injury is to treat it as soon as possible. The word “sports injury” is all-encompassing, including any kind of injury that happens during physical activity.
Whether you’re lifting heavy weights at the gym or running in ill-fitting shoes, sports injuries can happen just the same as they can by throwing a bat too hard or rolling the ankle on the soccer field.
Depending on how serious the injury is, your health history, and whether or not the injury needs surgical intervention, the care plan and period of recovery can vary.
How will physical therapy help me get back in the game?
Our Redmond, WA physical therapists are specialists in movement. They can assist you in achieving your physical goals. In order to help get you back into the game as soon as possible, they will recommend an individualized treatment plan for you based on your personal needs.
In order to enhance your range of motion and minimize scar tissue, the plan will possibly include manual therapy, stretches to improve balance and mobility, and strengthening exercises to improve the injured area as well as its surrounding areas.
First, a therapist will conduct a series of tests and ask you questions about your medical history, pain symptoms, and fitness goals. They will also review diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasounds. The essence of your injury, your fitness level, and your lifestyle will be taken into account when your treatment plan is created.
All of these steps are taken to help you heal and avoid more injuries from happening in the future.
Have you recently sustained a sports injury? If so, don’t hesitate to request an appointment at Bridle Trails Physical Therapy.
Ready to return to your sport?
At Bridle Trails Physical Therapy, we’ll help you recover as quickly as possible so you can return to the sport you love!
Be sure to check out our Health Blog for tips on managing pain and living a healthy life!