Treating sports injuries is a broad area of focus in the health care field. Sports injuries vary widely depending on the cause and severity of the injury. However, since most sports injuries affect the musculoskeletal system, many people are able to find treatment in physical therapy.
The musculoskeletal system is the part of your body that includes your muscles, bones, joints and soft tissue. Since this is a physical therapist’s area of specialty, many doctors will recommend you visit a physical therapist for treating a sports injury.
How do physical therapists treat sports injuries?
Physical therapists have several methods at their disposal for treating sports injuries. The primary goal of most treatments is to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and soft tissue around the injury. This is usually done through stretches and exercises specifically designed for your treatment plan.
Other methods physical therapists can use for treating sports injuries include:
Common sports injuries treated by physical therapists
Most sports injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system can be treated by a physical therapist. Here’s a look at some of the most common sports injuries we treat at Panther Physical Therapy:
- Sprained ankle — Ankle sprains occur when your ankle twists or rolls too far and the ligaments stretch or tear. Ankle sprains vary in severity, ranging from minor stretching to complete ruptures. Either way, a physical therapist can develop a treatment to help the ankle recover well.
- Knee injuries — Injuries to the ligaments in the knees, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common in sports injuries. They primarily occur when the knee is forcefully twisted or bent in the wrong direction.
- Tennis elbow — Tennis elbow is the common name for epicondylitis, which is a form of inflammation along the tendons in your elbow. This inflammation is the result of overuse, which is why it’s called tennis elbow since tennis players use their elbows a lot. This injury is also common with golfers, swimmers and rock climbers.
- Strains — Strains are stretches and tears of the muscles. Some of the most common strains in sports are pulled hamstrings and pulled groins.
Visit Panther Physical Therapy for treating a sports injury
Have you recently been hurt while competing or practicing in sports? Our physical therapists at Panther Physical Therapy can help. Contact us today to learn more about treating sports injuries or to schedule an initial appointment.