Common Sports Injuries That Benefit from Physical Therapy

In this brief article brough to you by Southern Maryland Medical Group, we discuss some common sports injuries that physical therapy can help. If you’d rather consult with a licensed primary care physician about your injuries or concerns, then call Southern Maryland Medical Group to get in touch with a member of our team.

What is physical therapy?

Think of physical therapy as a personalized workout plan with expert guidance. Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, dealing with arthritis, or bouncing back from surgery, PTs create tailored plans to get you back on your feet and moving comfortably again. They work with you to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore your body's natural movement patterns.

With that said, let’s look at some injuries that a physical therapist can help manage or fix.

Sprains, Strains, and Tendinitis

Sprains happen when there’s an overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands connecting bones. Strains, on the other hand, refer to the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement.

Tendinitis, meanwhile, is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse. It commonly affects the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinitis) or the tendons in the elbow (tennis elbow). Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and restricted movement.

Plantar fasciitis is a particular type of inflammation affecting the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot. It causes sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing.

Dislocations and Fractures

A dislocation involves the bones. More specifically, it’s when bones are forced out of their normal positions in a joint, often because of trauma, falls, or high-impact sports. Common sites for dislocations include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, and knees. The injury can damage surrounding tissues, including ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

If the trauma or impact is severe, the bone may fracture or break. This will result in much more severe pain at the site of the break and immediate care is non-negotiable. Fractures are significant injuries that require immediate medical attention and comprehensive rehabilitation.

What will the physical therapist do?

PTs begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and current physical condition. This can involve observing movement patterns, measuring strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and performing specific tests to identify the source of pain or dysfunction.

Based on the assessment, the PT will diagnose the condition and develop a personalized treatment plan with a realistic goal. These can range from reducing pain and improving mobility to enhancing athletic performance and returning to work.

Treatment can involve exercise prescriptions, hands-on techniques, modalities like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation, as well as education on proper body mechanics, posture, and movement strategies.

Whether dealing with acute injuries, chronic conditions, or post-surgical recovery, PTs guide patients toward achieving their health and wellness goals.

Consult with a physician today

If you are concerned about your health, then consider seeing a licensed physician sooner rather than later. Early intervention can prevent a host of complications. The primary care doctors at Southern Maryland Medical Group are here to take your call or message today.