Sports are one of the most common ways of incurring injuries. When an injury does develop, it can take a lot of time for your body to heal. One of the best things you can do to heal after a sports injury is physical therapy.
Physical therapy aims to restore function and mobility while minimizing pain. It includes regular exercises that strengthen your body and increase mobility and flexibility. Physical therapists often work with pain specialists to alleviate pain while you heal.
When it comes to healing from a sports injury, physical therapy can help tremendously. Physical therapy strengthens different components in your body, so you function better. It also promotes blood circulation, flexibility, and healing. Physical therapy is customizable to your specific needs. So, when you suffer an injury, you get specific workout instructions that are catered to help you recover.
Some common sports injuries that are treated with physical therapy include:
Pulled muscles
One of the most common sports injuries is a pulled muscle. This happens when a sudden force stretches muscle fibers beyond their capacity. This causes the fibers to tear. Once a muscle is pulled, it needs rest, so it can heal. When the muscle has improved, physical therapy can help gradually lengthen and strengthen the muscle fibers once again.
Runner’s knee
Runner’s knee refers to a misalignment of the kneecap. It can cause the kneecap to move, which can wear down the cartilage and cause fluid buildup in the knee. To treat runner’s knee, you will need to wear supportive footwear, rest, and strengthen the quadricep muscles. You will also need to stretch and massage the quadriceps. All of this can be done through physical therapy.
Shoulder impingement
A shoulder impingement happens when a tendon in the shoulder gets caught in the shoulder joint. This often leads the tendon to become inflamed. Shoulder impingement is often treated with rest, ice therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, physical therapy can help strengthen the shoulder’s components, so you can recover faster.
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow refers to the muscles in the forearm and outside of the elbow becoming inflamed. It causes pain, tingling, and numbness that travels from the outside of the elbow down to the wrist. Tennis elbow is treated with rest and ice therapy. After it has healed a little, physical therapy can help strengthen the arm, so it can function well without pain.
Sprained ankle
Another common sports injury is a sprained ankle. This happens when the ankle twists abnormally in a sudden and forceful manner. Treatment for a sprained ankle usually involves rest, elevation, and ice therapy. In the case of a severe sprained ankle, physical therapy can help strengthen the components in the lower leg. Without it, you are at risk of developing another sprained ankle and other injuries.
Physical Therapy in Texas
Endeavor Physical Therapy is here to provide you with all your physical therapy needs. If you play sports and are experiencing pain or other symptoms as a result, physical therapy can help you get stronger and feel better.
To make an appointment, give us a call at (512) 284-7192. You can also request an appointment online.
