Injuries can occur in any sporting activity. Professional athletes in particular, are prone to injuries due to the excessive wear and tear associated with the demands of competitive sport. The right exercise program to maintain strength, flexibility and stability can help athletes recover quickly after an injury, empowering them to resume athletic activities.
Sports injuries, by definition, include injuries involving the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, tissues, muscles, and cartilage. Every injury is different and every person heals differently. The purpose of rehabilitation 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. The therapist can design a safe and effective recovery program specifically geared towards the individual’s abilities. A physical therapist can identify the cause of the injury and create a treatment plan to prevent future injuries.
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 soon as possible.
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional 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 and a basketball player may need a speed and plyometric (explosive strength) training program. The physical therapist can evaluate, identify, and plan a sport-specific injury prevention program.
As part of the treatment process, a therapist will prescribe an exercise program consisting of stretching (to improve mobility) and exercises (to improve strength). The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and improve function as quickly as possible. Along with exercise, rest is an important part of the recovery process. The physical therapist will help you to balance rest and exercise to recovery in an optimal manner.
