How Sport’s Injuries Benefit from Physical Therapy

Sport’s injuries are costly to your career. Even minor injuries, strains, aches and pains can greatly reduce your performance level. Athletes and sports professionals regularly seek out physical therapy as part of their fitness regimen and exercise to keep in the best physical shape. Any soft tissue injuries, like strains, contusions and sprains are first and foremost treated with RICE therapy that is – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The administration of RICE helps in the reduction of inflammation at the site of injury and the earlier it is practiced the more effective the outcome for the injury victim.

Physical therapy has a major contribution in sports injury prevention. The therapists use a wide variety of methods to manage problems and injuries to the muscles and tendons, bones, ligaments and cartilage that constitute the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapy is known to help in preventing and treating sports injuries as well as help in the alleviation of medical problems in association with the advice of a medical expert. Physical therapy is finding extensive use in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson’s. Disorders of the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankle and foot, wrist and hand etc. are often treated with the aid of a physical therapist. These joints face a lot of wear and tear over prolonged and incessant movement for common people and more so for sports professionals and athletes. Back pain itself is one of the most common ailments among adult Americans. About 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pains can cause severe discomfort, loss of work and mobility problems for those who suffer from this condition. Muscular strains, ligament strains, spinal stenosis, herniated disc and other medical problems like fibromyalgia and osteoporosis may manifest themselves as back pain.

The knee is the largest joint in the body and more prone to injury than any other joint. Athletes are mostly susceptible to injuries of the knee. Arthritis is also a common reason for knee joint pain.  Knee injuries may be treated by physical therapy and RICE therapy. Therapists can diagnose injuries to the knee by conducting some physical exams on the patient. Some serious injuries may however require surgeries and other relevant treatment. Surgical intervention for a knee condition is considered a low risk surgery and can achieve satisfactory results in the patient.

Athletes and others suffering from sports injuries should seek a trained therapist for their physical therapy. Chicago residents can visit nearby sporting facilities for their needs.