Physical therapy can help you resolve your injuries and get back in the game!
Have you been dealing with a nagging pain that is limiting how active you can be? Did you recently roll your ankle and are looking for help to get back to playing the sports you love? At Austin Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will give you the tools to resolve any old or new injury and prevent future episodes so you can keep doing what you love!
Staying active is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sports are a fun way for many people to maintain or lose weight, socialize, and get or stay in shape. Unfortunately, injuries are a common part of playing sports. The key is getting help sooner than later.
Too often, people get a little overzealous in their desire to get active and don’t prepare their bodies for the challenges of the sports they are playing. You do not have to be a professional or even an amateur athlete to sustain a sports injury. Those who have only recently begun exercising or participating in recreational sports are vulnerable to sports injuries.
If you find yourself in pain from a throwing injury or a bad swing of the club or racquet this summer, or you’d like to discuss ways you can get in shape to prevent any injury, don’t hesitate to contact Austin Physical Therapy.
Whether you are a young athlete or have played sports for decades, our physical therapists know how to treat your injuries and get you back in the game. Our skilled physical therapists at Austin Physical Therapy will examine you and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and discomfort while preventing future injuries.
How can physical therapists help me heal from a sports injury?
Physical therapists are experts at treating all types of injuries related to exercise and sports. Through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough history and physical examination, your physical therapist can identify the root cause of your pain and/or injury.
Clarifying the difference between a symptom and the source of a problem is the key to successfully resolving your issue. At Austin Physical Therapy, our therapists will address all the factors contributing to your condition and give you the tools to minimize the risk of future injuries.
Your physical therapy program may include any or all of the following treatment methods to provide you with relief and prevent you from sustaining the same injury in the future:
- Manual therapy techniques restore joint and tissue mobility through relaxing tight muscles, joint mobilizations, and freeing up restrictions in connective tissues.
- Modalities for pain relief, including: laser therapy, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy (ice), and heat therapy to relieve tissue pain and inflammation.
- Mobility and stretching exercises to improve and maintain joint and tissue mobility.
- Strengthening exercises to support function and stability.
- Balance and coordination exercises to prepare for a return to sports
- Lifestyle changes to maximize healing and recovery, including proper sleep, nutritional recommendations, and warm-up and cool-down strategies.
If you’ve been hurt while playing sports, don’t ignore your pain and hope it goes away on its own. Address your injury as soon as possible to resolve it quickly and thoroughly. Waiting can result in the condition worsening or a new problem developing from unconscious compensations, keeping you out of the game for an even longer period of time.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
The most common cause of sports-related injuries is having had a previous injury in the last 12 months. Taking care of old injuries and any aches and pains you may have can help you avoid injuries in the first place.
It is common for people to start a new activity without being prepared to handle the sport’s demands. Taking the time to gradually wean into activity or, even better, first build your strength, endurance, and mobility can make all the difference.
The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains.
- Sprains occur when a ligament (tissue connecting one bone to another) is stretched or torn.
- Strains occur when a tendon (tissue connecting muscle to bone) is stretched or torn.
Sprains are typically the result of a trauma, a deceleration (slowing down) movement, or a sudden change in direction. The most common symptoms include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, and sometimes an inability to move the joints where the injury occurred.
Strains are associated with muscles and tendons. The role of a tendon is to transfer energy from a muscle to a bone and to absorb/resist tension caused by prolonged positions and/or forceful/fast movements of the body. These high levels of stress can lead to breakdown and injury.
It doesn’t matter what sport you play or whether your injury is old or new, our physical therapists at Austin Physical Therapy will help resolve your problems and teach you proper conditioning methods to ensure you are in shape for the season.
Get back in the game with PT
Nothing beats the rush of embarking on a new adventure, sport, or activity. The feeling of accomplishing a physical goal is unparalleled. However, before engaging in strenuous physical activity, ensure your body is capable of handling it.
Your therapist will ask you questions during your initial appointment to determine where you are experiencing pain and discomfort. They will also inquire about your medical history to rule out any unrelated causes of your condition.
They will then work with you to create a customized treatment plan. This treatment plan aims to help you regain full range of motion and function so that you can return to your sport without pain or discomfort.
Exercise is essential for leading a healthy and happy life. With some planning, you can easily participate in your favorite activities while lowering your risk of injury!
Request an appointment at Austin Physical Therapy in today!
If you’re experiencing chronic pain due to a sports-related injury, make an appointment with Austin Physical Therapy immediately. Learn how our skilled physical therapists can help you improve your condition and overall sports performance.
Contact our clinic today to get started!