As an athlete, you are well aware of the numerous benefits of participating in sports. There’s no shortage of reasons to get involved in athletics, from mood enhancement to maintaining a healthy weight. However, it’s essential to treat your body right to ensure you can stay in the game. A sports injury can derail your athletic progress and take you away from the sport you love. At Park Physical Therapy, our team is well-versed in treating various sports injuries. With October being National Physical Therapy Month, the topic of sports injuries is even more pertinent. Please continue reading below to learn about the most common sports injuries and how our team can help treat them.

Common Sports Injuries

If you’re a competitive athlete or engage in recreational sports, sports injuries can occur. You may be at an increased risk for injury if you haven’t been regularly active or did not warm up properly before activity. Athletes that participate in contact sports are also highly susceptible to injury. Sports injuries can produce different symptoms and complications. Some of the most prevalent sports injuries we treat at Park Physical Therapy include:

• Achilles Tendonitis – The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscle to the heel bone. When you stand, it acts as a spring returning energy to your foot. Thus, when this tendon becomes inflamed or strained, the pain often feels worse when you are on your feet for an extended period. You may also experience pain when you bend your foot down toward the ground.
• Shin Splints – Shin splints happen when a muscle in the lower leg becomes injured. Shin splints are often caused by overuse and can worsen if you have flat feet or poor running form.
• Lateral Epicondylitis – This condition is also known as “Tennis Elbow,” but it can affect other athletes who repeatedly use their hands or wrists in a certain way. In other words, it’s a strain of the muscle on the outside of your elbow.
• AC Joint Separation – The AC joint is where two bones meet at the top of your shoulder. An AC joint separation happens when there is a tear in the ligament that holds them together. This often occurs during contact sports.
• Knee Injuries – The knee is easily the most commonly injured joint in sports. The ACL, MCL, LCL, and PCL all play a role in keeping your knee stable. As a result, it’s no wonder that some of the most common sports injuries are knee injuries. 

Treatment

Minor sports injuries can be treated using the RICE method within the first couple of days after the injury. The RICE method can help reduce swelling and prevent additional pain and bruising. Physical therapy is highly beneficial to those dealing with an unfortunate sports injury. Our team may incorporate physical stretching and strengthening exercises with manual therapy to help restore normal function to the injured area. We can also develop an individualized exercise program to strengthen the injured area and reduce the risk of future injuries. 

Contact Park Physical Therapy

Here at Park Physical Therapy, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a sports injury. Our physical therapists will work closely with you to facilitate your recovery and get you back on the field doing what you love. Contact Park Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment for physical therapy.