Sports-related injuries make up roughly 20 percent of all injury-related emergency department visits for ages 6-19. For adults involved in sports injuries, we see a larger number requiring surgery from the common injuries sustained, such as broken bones, cartilage tears, and dislocations. Physical Therapy, after a surgery or injury, is imperative to get you back on the field, court, or bike, thus, allowing a safe return to the sporting activity you enjoy.
Sprains, Muscle Injuries, Tendonitis and Ligament Damage
These injuries can be initially addressed with a treatment commonly known by the acronym RICE therapy:
- Rest – At least 48 hours of rest for the injured area
- Ice – Apply ice packs to the affected area for 10 and 30 minutes.
- Compression - In order to reduce swelling and also to restrict movement, compression bandages can be used.
- Elevation – By raising the injured limb to a comfortable and elevated position, swelling can be reduced, and the limb will be at full rest.
After 48 hours?
Attempt to move the injured area, removing any compression bandages. Apply heat and massage to promote circulation and range of motion.
Persistent Pain After RICE Method?
Although RICE therapy is widely used for many sports injuries, it may not be effective for serious injuries, and additional treatment may be required:
- Pain relief (Analgesics) –The most common types of pain-relievers are Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. These medications may be used in conjunction with each other, as Ibuprofen acts as an anti-inflammatory, which aids in swelling reduction, while Acetaminophen helps to eliminate pain.
- Immobilization – Reducing movement to the injured area promotes healing and prevents further injury from occurring. Immobilization may also help to reduce pain, swelling and spasms, while allowing better circulation to the injured area, thus assisting the healing process. Examples of proper immobilization to an injured area include slings for the shoulder or arm, splints and casts for sprains and injured bones, and neck bracing.
- Cortisone Injections – If inflammation is severe, it may be necessary to administer a cortisone injection to the injured area. A cortisone injection utilizes steroids to reduce pain, swelling and irritation associated with muscle and ligament injuries.
- Surgery – For severe injuries, surgery may be required to repair torn ligaments, pin/repair, or reconstruct broken bones.
Our Advantages
Your personal physical therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation of our patients' injuries, functional limitations, and areas of pain, which include postural and biomechanical assessments, to accurately diagnose and address all areas of concern.
Our team of expert physical therapists will design a treatment plan based on your goals, lifestyle necessities, and work-related needs.
We provide a unique, integrated team approach. With our patient's direction, we will confer with their physicians, family members, case managers, employers and insurance companies.
When you are ready for discharge, you will receive a personalized home exercise program, allowing you to further enhance your rehabilitation, while safely performing your daily activities.