Recovering From Your Sports Injury
Injury is an inevitable part of sports, especially when performing at a high level relative to age. Sports place the body under constant stress, with quickness, agility, and strength as the cornerstones of success. Some sports also involve high contact, increasing the risk of bruises, fractures, and ligament damage. A sports injury often means time away from the field of play to recover. This injury timeout varies based on the severity of the injury or condition, with some athletes needing surgery to repair the damage. Physical therapy (PT) becomes a vital part of the recovery process. Learning the benefits can improve overall health and recovery.
Is it time for physical therapy?
PT is a practice performed by healthcare professionals with an injured patient. The process involves using exercise, stretching, and manual therapy to treat injuries and improve overall function. With PT, athletic patients will heal, recover, and perform at an optimal level again. After an injury, PT helps athletes slowly regain range of motion (ROM) and flexibility. Each week, the therapist will provide specific exercises for the patient to perform, increasing strength. After several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the sports injury, the athlete can return to sports.
Here are the PT benefits
After a common sports injury, such as a sprain, dislocation, or ligament damage, the patient will experience significant pain. PT helps to reduce the pain by reducing inflammation, promoting blood flow, and strengthening surrounding muscles to support the injured area. Athletes will also regain mobility, flexibility, and strength. In some cases, PT is used to increase these qualities. Some patients lose balance and coordination. PT incorporates specific exercises like yoga and plyometrics to improve these areas. While the timeline may seem long, PT is the best way to return to sports with the appropriate level of athletic performance while reducing the risk of re-injury. And in some cases, PT is a viable alternative to surgery, which some athletes prefer to avoid.
Your physical therapy process
All PT starts with an initial evaluation by the physiotherapist. The consultation helps the specialist to understand the patient and the nature of the injury. Information such as medical history, physical condition, type of sport, and patient goals are all necessary to craft a custom PT plan. The next step involves creating a specialized plan that can start almost immediately. The athlete will perform PT at the therapist’s location and given exercises to perform at home. On some days, the patient will perform exercises with the appropriate supervision. Every week, the therapist may use massage, mobilization, and manipulation to address pain, improve ROM, and enhance function. Modalities like saunas, cold plunges, cryotherapy, and electrical stimulation help to create a comprehensive plan.
It’s all about consistency
During the PT process, the patient will be monitored weekly. The team and athlete will progress based on performance and pain thresholds. The strategy can be changed at any time based on feedback. PT only works if the patient is receptive, hardworking, and consistent. The therapist will provide a home exercise program that the patient is expected to follow. The patient must also avoid strenuous activities or overexerting without the therapist’s permission, as injury will prolong the process. PT can take several weeks or months to complete. Some athletes even choose to continue at-home exercises months later to maintain strength and mobility. Studies show that physical therapy can improve health outcomes and even prevent further injuries.
Get back to the field with PT
Sports injuries, whether sudden or chronic conditions, can be distressing for the athlete. Some remain on the sideline for weeks or experience pain while competing. Physical therapy can help athletes return to sport after injury or surgery. The exercises and other modalities improve function, reduce pain, and are essential to long-term performance. The benefits of physical therapy cannot be understated, but a specific process must be followed for the best results, so seek out a competent PT team. Follow the guidance of the physical therapist and enjoy a faster, better road to recovery.
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