How sports therapy can help reduce your future injury risk

When athletes are injured, they often use sports therapy rehab to get them back into the game or on the court as quickly as possible. No matter the sport or the skill level of the athlete, injuries are an inevitable part of the game. However, an added benefit of using sports therapy is to help reduce your future injury risk, and Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy can show you how.

Treating the initial injury

For acute injuries, the first goal is to reduce pain and swelling. This will often include employing the RICE method to reduce swelling, relieve pain and promote the body’s healing process. In addition, the physical therapist may perform other treatments including:

• Electrical stimulation with a TENS unit or ultrasound
• Manual therapy to increase circulation to the injured area
• Kinesio Taping
• Anodyne therapy

Strengthening and rehabilitating

Once pain and swelling have been reduced enough in the area that rehabilitation can begin, sports therapy rehabilitation can begin. An individualized treatment plan is created by the physical therapist to regain strength and range of motion. Core strengthening exercises are often prescribed to increase the body’s stability which can help reduce future injury risk.

Yearly injury screenings

The last step to injury recovery is to keep in tune with how your body is feeling. Injury screenings by a physical therapist can detect small changes in your balance, coordination or gait that could indicate that your body is compensating in small ways that you may not have initially noticed on your own. You can also discuss any concerns you have with the physical therapist about your body as well as any sports therapy exercises and stretches they recommend.

Sports therapy with Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy

While sports injuries are an inevitable part of the love of the game, they can also present a unique opportunity to come back better and stronger than before. The physical therapists of Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy are experts in helping patients achieve their sports therapy goals to recover and return to action. If you have recently suffered an acute sports-related injury, contact us today to set up your initial appointment for an injury screening and discuss potential treatment options.