While sports and physical activity in general are good for your health, some activities are accompanied by the risk of injury. Here are the most common injuries doctors treat with physical therapy.
Torn tendons and ligaments
Tearing muscles in the groin, hip, knee, or shoulder can be some of the post painful sports injuries. Sometimes more serious medical help like surgery is required to repair the tear. Whether one undergoes surgery or not, physical therapy will be necessary to recondition the muscle tissue.
Tendinitis
This is a very common condition characterized by the inflammation of the tissue around bones and muscles. Tendinitis usually occurs in the shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.
Fractures
A fracture can happen in a number of ways from a particularly powerful tackle, to a fall from a balance beam, to a slip on the ice rink. While the fractured bone is healing, the appendage is put in a cast. During this time, the arm or leg is immobilized, causing the muscles to weaken. Physical therapy is sometimes necessary to build the muscles back up to a healthy state.
Arthritis
Tennis and baseball players, in particular, can suffer from arthritis as a result of repetitive motion. Arthritis can also be treated with physical therapy.
Low back pain
Low back pain has innumerable causes. It can range from a dull ache to a sudden, sharp pain. If you suffer from persistent back pain, you should see a doctor to be screened for serious injury.
Dislocations
Like fractures, dislocations are often caused by a fall or a blow during a contact sport like football. Dislocations are injuries to the joint in which your bones are forced out of position.
Following a sports injury, a physical therapist may design a personalized treatment regimen to help the healing process and allow for a quicker and safe return to your favorite athletic activity. Some treatments include exercises, chiropractic adjustments, or electrical stimulation. Helpful research also found here.
