Sports injuries occur because athletes put their bodies through rigorous training and arduous competition.
In order to stay at the top of their game, many athletes have turned to sports physiotherapy as an alternative to surgery or anti-inflammatory drugs. Sports injuries range from the common to the serious and long-term ones. If you want to know what treatments are right for you, it’s best to understand the nature of these injuries.
This will aid your performance by not allowing the injury worsen.
You will also better recover from sports injuries if you detect them early and seek sports physiotherapy treatment. Here, we will discuss some common sports injuries and physical therapy’s role in treating them.
Sprained Ankles
Sprained ankles occur when ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched beyond their limit, causing them to tear.
A sprain can vary significantly in severity depending on how many ligaments are torn and how badly the ligaments are damaged. If your ankle is still swollen or painful after multiple treatments, or if you are experiencing difficulty walking or putting weight on it, you should probably have it evaluated to ensure the injury isn’t something more severe.
In the case of ankle sprains, the most effective treatment is physiotherapy treatments.
Many people go to a physiotherapist to get treated for their injuries, and ankle sprains are no exception. These sprains are very painful but relatively easy to treat with different methods. If someone has an ankle sprain and can’t put weight on it, then they should be put in a brace or have a special kind of cast on their leg to avoid unintended movement.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connecting the heel bone and the calf muscle is found at the back of the ankle. When the calf muscles are overused, a tear can occur.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain around the heel, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty standing up on the toes. This is a treatment that is best performed by a licensed physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist will prescribe an exercise training program to assist in safe return to sport, manual therapy to assist movement restoration and anti- inflammatory treatments.
If you have been experiencing pain since suffering a sports injury, contact Prairie Trail Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic to schedule an injury assessment with our physiotherapists.
Hamstring Strains
Hamstring Strains are quite a common sports injury, especially for those that do a lot of running or kicking.
Sometimes referred to as a pulled hammy, this injury occurs when one or more of these muscles get stretched too far and tear.
Different physiotherapy treatments, including ice, heat, massage, dry needling or manual can be used to treat hamstring injuries and maximize recovery time.
Groin Pull
A groin pull is a common sports injury that occurs when the adductor muscles in the groin area become injured. Various sports require side-to-side motion, such as lacrosse, football (both kinds), and hockey (especially goalies) which can cause strain injuries to these muscles.
When this happens, it is recommended that you rest and apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. If your pain persists for more than a few days after resting, you may need to visit a physiotherapist for further evaluation.
ALSO, it’s very important to make sure you are fully healed before returning to the field/court/ice. Re-injury is very common when returning to activity too soon after a groin pull. This can happen when an athlete repetitively stretches the groin muscle to the point where they rip their adductors. OUCH!
Shin Splints
Shin splint pain occurs when the muscles surrounding the inward side of the shinbone become inflamed. They are most common among athletes who run a lot, like soccer or basketball players, and joggers.
These usually result from repetitive use over time and are more likely to occur when there is muscle weakness in the lower leg or if you wear inappropriate footwear for your activity.
Pain, tenderness, and soreness are all signs of the problem. You may feel the pain on either side of the tibia (shin bone) or under it. Typically it’s just one side that’s painful.
Most shin splints are easily treated by stretching and rest. But if the pain persists for more than a few days and cannot be relieved by ice or pain-relief medication, it should be examined by a medical professional.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head. AKA getting your bell rung.
Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sleepiness. Concussions can heal within a few days, but people can experience long-term effects, or post concussion syndrome.
If you think you may have a concussion, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation. In most cases, concussions can be treated with rest and pain medication. However, more severe cases may require hospitalization and rehabilitation.
The number or severity of concussions can be minimized. WEAR A HELMET!
Knee Dislocation
A knee dislocation is a serious injury that occurs when the knee joint bones are forced out of alignment. This injury can result from a fall, a direct blow to the knee, or a twisting motion. It can cause severe pain and swelling and may also damage the blood vessels and nerves in the area.
If not treated promptly, a knee dislocation can lead to long-term disability.
Initial treatment for a knee dislocation will involve protecting the joint from further damage. The patient should be monitored for possible bleeding or nerve damage around the area. It is important to relieve pressure on the joint.
After this process is complete, physical therapy is often necessary.
Shoulder Injury
The shoulder is a complex joint that is made up of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). This joint is responsible for a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to injury.
Shoulder injuries can be caused by a sudden impact or fall, loading on a stretch or even repetitive motions. Types of injuries can be torn rotator cuff, frayed labrum, dislocated or separated shoulder, and others. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and swelling. Treatment for a shoulder injury will vary depending on the severity and type of injury.
For minor injuries, rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication may be all that is necessary. More serious injuries often require physical therapy or surgery. If you have injured your shoulder, first and foremost go see a professional, a doctor or physiotherapist to lead you in the right direction.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common injury that can be caused by repetitive use of the muscles in the forearm. It is most common in people who play sports that involve gripping clubs or rackets, such as tennis, racquetball, badminton, and golf.
With this condition, you may feel pain on the outside of your elbow and difficulty bending your wrist back or gripping things tightly.
For this type of injury, you will need to rest, apply ice packs, take anti-inflammatory medication, and stretch the muscles causing pain. If the pain doesn’t subside, you might consider physical therapy sessions, which our team at Prairie Trail Physiotherapy can assist you with.
If medication and physiotherapy do not work, a doctor may suggest injecting cortisone (a steroid) into the elbow joint.
How To Take Care Of Your Body
To avoid injury, it is crucial to take care of your body. Here is some advice on how to do so:
- Stretch before and after each workout.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Pay attention to what your body is telling you. If it starts to hurt, or you get tired, stop what you are doing.
- Wear protective equipment such as helmets and pads. Going without them is not worth the risk.
At Prairie Trail Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, we understand that every athlete – no matter their level of experience – deserves to be treated like a star. From start to finish, our team will provide you with the care and attention you need so you can focus on doing what you love.