As we get older, we are more prone to sports-related injuries. But that doesn’t mean you should give up something you love! There are steps you can take not only to recover faster but to prevent injuries in the future. From Baton Rouge to Hammond, Peak Performance Physical Therapy has eight locations, so you can always find a sports therapist to help you.
Seek Treatment For Serious Injuries
Often, we see patients come in late because they think their injury doesn’t qualify or isn’t serious enough. But many common sports injuries require treatment by a sports therapist in order to heal properly:
- ACL Tears. This is the tearing or pulling of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. You’ll sometimes hear a loud pop sound when you tear the ligament. Because of this injury, you will likely experience swelling and possibly an inability to walk.
- Meniscus Tear. The piece of cartilage between your thigh bone and shin bone is torn with this injury. This may the knee to ‘lock-up’.
- Tennis Elbow. This occurs with the overuse of forearm muscles and tendons. You will feel pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow with gripping activities.
- Hamstring Sprain. This happens when one of three muscles in the back of your upper thigh get stretched too far and begin to tear. Unfortunately, these are slow to heal, and re-injuries are common.
Should You Seek Treatment For Less Serious Injuries?
You should always take time to recover, even if your injuries don’t seem severe because lack of recovery can lead to a serious injury. If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t match any of the injuries above, we recommend using the PRICE method:
- P for Protect from further harm.
- R for Restrict activity.
- I for apply Ice.
- C for apply Compression.
- E for Elevate the injured area.
Your injury should start to heal after two or three days of using the PRICE method. If not, you likely need to see a sports therapist for recovery treatment.
Protect Your Body
Once you recover from your injuries, there are a few tactics you can use to help prevent another injury or even re-injury. For example, you’re less likely to develop injuries from sports if you’re in the habit of working out often. Injuries often occur when you’re not conditioned for the activity and then you suddenly start back up again at full force. Peak Performance has teamed up with Spectrum fitness to help our patients and friends with their physical health. Learn more about our partnership with Spectrum and the amenities they offer here.
Two Things To Remember:
- Warm-up and cool-down before and after every workout and sport activity for peak performance and to avoid injury.
- Learn to listen to your body. Chronic or consistent pain during exercise and sports is a sign of an oncoming injury. You should relax from your activity and focus on recovering the area that’s causing pain. Restorative stretches are a good first start. We recommend attending Spectrum’s yoga classes and working on movement and flexibility. If the pain continues, set up an appointment with one of the physical therapists.
Contact Us For Expert Treatment
Our sports therapists are delighted to help you get back on your game. After all, when you feel well, you play even better! Schedule an evaluation at your local Peak Performance to begin your treatment as soon as possible.