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Sports Injuries
There’s always a certain amount of risk for sports-related injuries when playing sports. Contact or collision sports have higher injury rates, such as soccer, baseball, basketball and football. Twice as many males suffer sports-related injuries compared to females due to the types of sports they play. Whether you’re a seasoned and trained athlete or weekend warrior, there’s always a chance of incurring a sports injury.
Common Sports Injuries
Patellofemoral Syndrome
Sports injuries involving the lower body are often knee injuries. Patellofemoral syndrome is often caused by a slip or fall onto the knees. There’s pain, swelling and an imbalance of the knee muscle in its groove. Strengthening exercises and stretching can help the muscles correct themselves. In addition to strengthening exercises, a physical therapist may use bracing techniques or knee taping for this injury.
Concussion
A blow to the head can cause a concussion. It’s a serious injury and should not be taken lightly. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, vomiting and slurred speech. Any athlete who incurs a concussion should have immediate medical attention. Treatment with a physical therapist can help with the headaches and dizziness associated with a concussion.
ACL Tear
The ACL is a major ligament in the knee. ACL strain or tear can be caused when playing sports due to a sudden change in directions or coming to a sudden stop. There’s swelling and instability in movement with an ACL tear. Aggressive physical therapy can assist with recovery.
Hip Flexor Strain
The hip flexor muscles are located in the upper, front thigh. Sprinting, running inclines and sudden movement can cause a hip flexor strain. There may be bruising in the thigh area along with inflammation and pain. Stretching and range of motion exercises with a physical therapist assist with recovery.
Shin Splints
With shin splints, there’s typically pain in the lower leg bone- the tibia. It’s common with runners. Rest and ice can ease the pain, and a good pair of shoes with arch support can help.
Sciatica
Sciatica is back pain that extends to the back of the leg. It’s often seen in cyclists and athletes who perform a lot of trunk rotation in swing sports like tennis and golf. The back pain may be caused by a pinched nerve or bulging disc. A physical therapist can help alleviate sciatica symptoms.
Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries in sports range from dislocations and misalignments to strains and sprains of shoulder muscles and ligaments. The shoulder is a weak joint and prone to injuries during sports activities. Rest and icing should help with pain and swelling.
Tennis or Golf Elbow
This condition is known as an overuse sports injury. Repetitive actions inflame the forearm and wrist. Icing and rest generally help, but stretching techniques and strengthening exercises with a physical therapist help even more.
Groin Pull
Also known as groin strain, the groin muscles can get strained with quick side-to-side movements when engaging in sports. Stretching and range of motion exercises can help with recovery.
Hamstring Strain
The hamstring muscle is located in the back thigh. Lack of stretching can cause this muscle to be pulled. If this condition persists more than two weeks, a physical therapist can help with ultrasound treatment to promote healing of the pulled muscle.