Sports Injuries Return to Play

Many of our injured patients are those who have sports injuries. If you are active in sports and other activities, it may be almost inevitable that you will suffer some kind of injury at some point, no matter how careful you are or what safety precautions you take. At LeMoine Physical Therapy, we offer our patients the highest quality of treatments available. The following are some of the benefits our patients enjoy when they put their care in our professional hands.

Pain Relief

The majority of our patients come to us because they are suffering from pain from their sports injury. The good news is that as you work towards the healing of your sports injury and return to play, many of the exercises your physical therapist will come up with in your individualized treatment plan will also help alleviate the pain these injuries cause.

Some of the exercises will provide relief from pain right away, while others will work on the strengthening of certain muscles that will then provide support and ease your pain. For example, when someone comes to one of our physical therapists with back pain, the therapist will likely include messages that will help build up the patient’s body core, which in turn takes the pressure off the back and eliminates the pain.

Recovery Time Is Quicker

When patients turn to physical therapy for sports injuries so they can return to playing again, it is not uncommon for them to be a little impatient because they are so anxious to get playing again. But healing can take time. The good news is that by exercising, strengthening, and stretching muscles, your recovery time is actually quicker than if you just let the injury heal on its own.

Keep in mind that every injury and every patient is different, so there may be other circumstances that could delay your recovery. It is also important for patients to come to every physical therapy appointment and to also perform the home exercise program that their therapist develops for them. And you want to make sure you follow the therapist’s specifically because pushing too hard could actually cause further injury and delay healing and recovery.

Preventing Future Injuries

When you injure a body part, even after it heals, it is always more vulnerable to future injuries. By continuing to do those home exercises, especially if you begin to feel any discomfort in the area, you can prevent the injury from becoming full-blown again. And remember, your physical therapist is always available to provide additional help.

In addition to exercises and stretching, your physical therapist may also come up with nutritional advice and recommend certain foods that can help with inflammation, as well as avoiding certain activities that could irritate the injured area.

ACL Tears

Tearing or spraining the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most common injuries caused by sports participation. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), between 100,000 and 200,000 ACL reconstruction procedures are done each year. In these procedures, a surgeon uses tissue from the knee to make a new ligament in order to stabilize the knee and help the athlete return to sports and exercise.

Following an ACL injury, your physician will refer you to a Physical Therapist (PT) for rehabilitation, then work collaboratively with the PT to ensure that you are ready to resume your sport of choice.

Focus on your Rehabilitation

You will be asked specific questions related to your particular sport or even to demonstrate some movements. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs.

Sport & Exercise Medicine Services

LeMoine Physical Therapy is highly experienced in the assessment and treatment of soft tissue injuries, with knowledge of biomechanics, tissue pathology, and healing.  We carry out a thorough assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal injuries.

For complaints including:

• Overuse injuries and stress fractures
• Muscle tears, tendon, and ligament sprains
• Knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• Shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, hand & wrist pain

Call Our Clinic Today

Anyone with sports injuries who want to safely return to play should contact LeMoine Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated physical therapist and find out how we can help. Call our office today.

The Role Of Physical Therapy In Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence among athletes at all levels, from professionals to hobbyists. When these setbacks occur, returning to full fitness requires more than just time; it often demands a dedicated rehabilitation process. Here we'll explore how comprehensive rehabilitation programs, tailored to the specific needs of each athlete, are essential for effective recovery.

Understanding Rhe Rehabilitation Process

Rehabilitation after a sports injury involves a series of structured steps designed to ensure a safe return to sport. The first phase typically focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. This is crucial, as it sets the foundation for more active rehabilitation techniques. We at LeMoine Physical Therapy employ various modalities such as ice therapy, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation to manage these initial symptoms.

Once pain and swelling are under control, the focus shifts to restoring mobility. Stiffness is a common aftermath of injury and inactivity. With over seventeen years of experience, we guide our patients through specific exercises that help restore joint motion and improve flexibility. This gradual process ensures that each movement contributes to recovery without risking further injury.

Strength And Conditioning

Regaining strength is a pivotal aspect of the rehab process. Sports injuries often lead to muscle weakness, not only because of the injury itself but also due to the inevitable inactivity during recovery. To counteract this, we design individualized strength training programs that target weakened areas. These exercises help rebuild muscle and support the injured structures, thereby enhancing overall stability and function.

However, rehabilitation isn't just about physical recovery; it's also about reconditioning the body to withstand the demands of the sport. This includes incorporating sport-specific exercises that prepare the athlete for the movements and stresses of their particular activities. By simulating common sports tasks, we help our patients build confidence and reduce the fear of re-injury.

Incorporating Advanced Techniques

To further aid recovery, advanced techniques such as manual therapy, proprioceptive training, and even aquatic therapy might be included in the rehabilitation program. We specialize in manual therapy involving hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints, improving circulation and flexibility. Proprioceptive training, on the other hand, is essential for restoring the body's ability to control movements under varying degrees of stability, which is critical for preventing future injuries.

Aquatic therapy can be particularly beneficial due to the buoyancy of water reducing stress on healing structures while allowing for strength and endurance training. Each of these techniques plays a role in creating a well-rounded rehabilitation plan that addresses all aspects of recovery.

The Psychological Aspect Of Recovery

We recognize that injury recovery is not only physical but also psychological. The frustration and anxiety that often accompany injuries can significantly impact an athlete's recovery process. We provide support and encouragement throughout the rehabilitation journey, helping athletes maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated. Emotional resilience is key to overcoming the challenges posed by recovery and returning to peak performance.

Next Steps

We believe in empowering our patients to achieve their rehabilitation goals. Our approach combines the latest in sports medicine with a personalized touch to ensure that each athlete receives the best possible care tailored to their unique needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with a sports injury, we invite you to reach out to us at LeMoine Physical Therapy. Together, we can work towards achieving a full and speedy recovery, allowing you to return to the sport you love with confidence and strength. Remember, your journey back to peak performance starts with taking the first step toward professional rehabilitation support.