Sports Injuries Rehabilitation 101
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 physiotherapist during this time. The therapist can design a safe and effective recovery program specifically geared towards the individual's abilities. A physiotherapist 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 physiotherapist as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy – The Right Choice
A physiotherapist 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 a particular sport. For example, a baseball pitcher may need a shoulder stabilization program and a basketball player may need a speed and polymeric (explosive strength) training program. The physiotherapist 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 physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function as quickly as possible. Along with exercise, rest is an important part of the recovery process. The physiotherapist will help you balance rest and exercise to recover in an optimal manner.
Don’t wait for an Injury
An injury is the last thing anyone wants. Without proper rehabilitation, the damage can get worse. In fact, did you know that physiotherapy helps not only with treatment, but also with prevention of athletic injuries? Also, it doesn't matter if you play professional sports or are a weekend warrior. Working with a physiotherapist requires time and patience, but it's worth the effort. It's a great way to come back to the sport you love and enjoy, while minimizing the chances of re-injury.
If you or someone you know is an athlete, consider working with a physiotherapist. In fact, you don't have to wait until you are injured, because a physiotherapist can help an individual improve athletic performance and minimize injury. A preventive, proactive approach is important. After all, prevention is better than cure. Don't wait until someone gets injured because there is a lot that a physiotherapist can do to save you from an injury. Schedule an evaluation with us: we can design the right program for you and get you great results.
It doesn't matter if you are a recreational athlete or participate in competitive sports, we can help you.