Sports Injury Therapy Baltimore, MD

If you’ve suffered a sports injury, you should consider sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. A sports injury can negatively affect your day to day life and keep you off the field for a while. Therapy can help you recover faster.

Physical Therapy for Sports Injuries

An injury doesn’t always mean the end of your career – especially if you seek out sports injury therapy in Baltimore, Maryland. If you’re an athlete, you know that it’s important to get back in the game as soon as possible. An injury can be overcome: It’s not an easy road, but it’s a necessary one –  and the specialists at LeMoine Physical Therapy are here to keep you moving.

It’s important to remember that any kind of injury demands proper attention. We know you might want to power through the pain, but in the long run, that can do more harm than good. Instead of just grinding through your injury and setting yourself up for something even more major in the future, get in touch with LeMoine Physical Therapy, and read on to learn how we can help you recover right.

Rebuilding Stronger

If you’ve been injured, you’ve been injured. There’s no way to get around it, and denying it only makes it worse. But you’re not going to do yourself any favors by skipping out and cutting corners on recovery. It demands as much attention and determination as anything else you tackle in life, and though it might mean sitting out a few games, it definitely doesn’t mean sitting out period.

Physical therapy for sports injuries takes attention, consistency, and a plan. You and your sports injury therapist in Baltimore, MD will work together to develop a recovery plan that best suits your needs, and with enough work you can rebuild a strong foundation for yourself and the rest of your athletic career. Build a shaky foundation, and your hard work will come crashing down. Build something solid, and you’ll bounce back stronger.

There are a few different approaches your physical therapist might take. If you recently suffered a sports-related injury, you’ll need acute sports injury management. Acute sports injury management means you and your physical therapist jump on the problem early to prevent any (more) serious problems in the future.

On the other hand, if you’ve been dealing with an injury for a long time and you’re trying to get back into the game, your best bet is return to sport progression therapy. This approach involves working with a physical therapist to develop a plan that will get you back into your sport of choice after a period of inactivity caused by lingering pain.

Fortunately, there’s a sports injury specialist in Baltimore, MD that can help with both types of physical therapy. When you reach out to LeMoine Physical Therapy, you’re taking the first step towards getting back in the game – and doing it right.

Contact LeMoine Physical Therapy Today

At LeMoine Physical Therapy, we understand you need to get back in the game, and we understand that your recovery requires drive and support. While you may be in a rush to get back on the court or out on the field, we also understand that you can’t cut corners on recovery. Instead, we’ll work with you to develop a recovery plan that fits into your timeframe, and gets you back as soon as possible while also making sure you’ve recovered right.

Don’t hesitate. Get in touch with LeMoine Physical Therapy today, and see how sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD can help you get back in the game.

6 Most Common Sports Injuries

1. Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body but also the most susceptible to force during athletic activity. Therefore, the shoulder is one of the most common sites for sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. Examples of common shoulder injuries treated at LeMoine Physical Therapy include ligament sprains, muscle strains, and dislocations of the joint. 

2. Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is an overuse injury. It results in pain over the elbow but is caused by gripping of the hand or flexing of the wrist. These motions put strain on the tendons that control them, which causes pain at their attachment at the elbow joint.

There are two types of epicondylitis. Medial epicondylitis occurs on the inside of the elbow when the arm is held at the side with the palm facing out. It is also known as golfer’s elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is also known as tennis elbow and occurs along the outside. Both types can benefit from sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD at LeMoine Physical Therapy. 

3. Hamstring Strain

Athletes who do a lot of running or jumping may be susceptible to a hamstring strain. The hamstring is the large muscle at the back of the thigh. Failure to adequately stretch out the hamstring prior to activity can cause it to be tight, making it more susceptible to a strain or tearing injury. 

4. Sciatica

Rotating the trunk or flexing it forward can damage the low back. The damage can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which bifurcates and extends down each leg. The radiating pain and tingling sensation that can result is called sciatica. It is common among tennis players, golfers, and cyclists. 

5. Shin Splints

Shin splints are inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the shinbone, also known as the tibia. The inflammation causes pain in the front of the leg. Shin splints typically affect athletes who do a great deal of running and often result from trying to do too much, too quickly. The pain and inflammation can be prevented by wearing shoes with good arch supports and adopting a training program that increases running activities gradually. 

6. ACL Sprain or Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament provides stability by stretching diagonally across the knee. It is susceptible to stretching or tears because of rapid changes of direction, pivoting, or cutting. It can cause swelling of the knee and instability when turning corners. Treatment options for an ACL injury depend on its severity. A major tear may require surgery, while a minor sprain may respond to sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. 

6 Most Common Sports Injuries Infographic

5 Common Sports Injuries To Watch Out for

Some sports injuries happen due to a collision or fall, but others develop slowly over months or even years of wear and tear on the body. It can be difficult to tell if you are experiencing common soreness or if you have suffered a more serious injury. If you or someone you know is dealing with any of these issues, consider scheduling an appointment to receive sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD, today. 

1. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common in sports like soccer and basketball that require lateral movement, but they can also occur during everyday activities like walking down the sidewalk. If your ankle is swollen, discolored or painful to stand on, you may have sprained it.

2. Knee Injuries

Injuries to the knee are more common than any other sports injury. The knee is full of ligaments that can be torn and even ruptured. Unfortunately, knee surgeries and replacements can be costly, and they can take months or even years to recover from. The good news is that receiving sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD, from a care center like LeMoine Physical Therapy can help you determine how serious your knee symptoms are. Physicians can also help you chart a course for a full recovery.

3. Hamstring Pulls

Hamstring pulls are yet another example of the fact that most sports injuries occur in the lower body. Prolonged bouts of sitting or a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate these types of issues and make you more prone to a hamstring injury, especially if you don’t stretch enough. This area is notorious for taking a long time to heal, so the sooner you can get a professional assessment and start working toward recovery, the better.

4. Tennis Elbow

Tennis players aren’t the only ones who suffer from pain in the elbow and forearm area, which is commonly known as “tennis elbow.” Anyone from baseball players to office workers can experience irritation caused by repetitive arm and wrist movements. The professionals at LeMoine Physical Therapy have the knowledge and experience to treat pesky soft tissue injuries such as tennis elbow.

5. Shoulder Pain

Mountain bikers, skiers, wrestlers and hockey players are just a few of the athletes who commonly experience injuries to the shoulder area. Shoulder pain can bring your sporting activities to a screeching halt and greatly complicate your daily life. If it hurts to move or elevate your arm, consider receiving sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD, today.

Common Myths About Sports Injuries

Playing sports can be fulfilling and help keep you in great shape. However, it can lead to injuries if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some of the most common myths about sports injuries:

• If you’re strong, you won’t get injured. It’s certainly beneficial to be strong and have decent muscle mass. It can help you play your sport better. However, being strong doesn’t make you immune to injuries. If you overexert yourself or don’t get adequate rest, you can still wind up with injuries.
• Heat is a good way to treat a sports injury. Some athletes make the mistake of applying heat to an injury. When you endure a sports injury, the area will swell quite a bit. If you apply heat, it could swell up even more. To avoid this, apply an ice pack to the area. It will reduce both swelling and pain.
• You should play through the pain. Unfortunately, some athletes feel pressured to play a game even if they feel pain. This can increase the risk of serious injuries. Athletes who feel discomfort should stop what they are doing immediately and see a doctor.
• Rest will cure the injury. Although it is important to give your body proper rest after suffering a sports injury, it will not cure it. In fact, too much rest can increase stiffness, making your pain worse. That’s why it’s beneficial to attend sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. A therapist will have you perform several safe exercises that will help you heal.
• Stretching is the best way to prevent injuries. While it is beneficial to stretch before getting on the field, it won’t prevent you from getting injured. In fact, it is actually better to do a light warmup, like jogging in place or jumping jacks.
• Surgery is the best treatment option. Although surgery may be necessary to treat certain sports injuries, it should be used as a last resort. After all, surgery carries multiple risks. Your doctor will have you try less-invasive treatments first, like physical therapy. 

Always speak with your primary care physician if you get injured playing sports. He or she will be able to evaluate you to either send you to a specialist or determine what issues you may be facing after getting hurt. It is important to find the root of the problem so that you can fix it and begin to heal properly, rather than merely masking the issue. 

What Kind of Treatment Options Will a Physical Therapist Explore? 

Going to physical therapy is often a crucial step in the healing process. It is far less invasive than surgery — which will often end in physical therapy anyway — and offers many different ways to treat a patient depending on their own individual circumstances. Some of the most common treatment options include:

• Manual manipulation. A physical therapist will use his or her hands in order to massage and stretch the patient’s muscles. This will allow the muscles a change to get more malleable, which can offer pain relief in itself.
  

• Exercises and stretching. Often, a physical therapist will give his or her patients exercises to do at home. This workout regimen needs to be done consistently in order for healing to occur. The body changes over time, which means that stretches and exercises will help it become stronger, but consistency is key.
• Dry needling and other pain management techniques. There are many other ways physical therapists can help with pain relief. Some therapists offer treatments such as dry needling or electric stimulation that can temporarily relieve pain. These treatments in conjunction with exercises can greatly benefit the patient.
  

Physical therapists are creative and know that there is not a “one treatment fits all”when it comes to managing pain and healing an injury that happened while playing sports. The therapists at LeMoine Physical Therapy will be happy to look at your individual case to see how we can help you get back in the game.

Is Physical Therapy Painful?

Your treatment at physical therapy will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and where they are located. Physical therapy can help a wide range of issues and is no more painful than the injury itself. It can be difficult sometimes to push forward and work your body, but physical therapists do not always focus on endurance unless you request that. They will give you different stretches and exercises tailored to your lifestyle and how much you can handle. As an athlete, you want to get back to playing sports as soon — but also as safely — as possible. This is why it is crucial that you enlist the assistance of an experienced sports injury physical therapist in Maryland from LeMoine Physical Therapy as soon as you realize you are hurt. He or she can help you heal so that you can get back out there again as soon as possible. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Sports Injury Therapy

Don’t Hide Information

Providing your therapist with a full account of your medical history will help you get the most out of the experience. It can be helpful to write down any issues you want to discuss at sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. Think about which activities cause you discomfort or pain and describe how frequently you experience symptoms. You should also share if you have medical conditions or treatments that might interfere with certain aspects of your therapy. LeMoine Physical Therapy can address a wide variety of sports injuries. 

Do Exercise at Home

Although the work you do at your therapy appointments plays a crucial role in your recovery, you should also perform certain exercises at home. Your therapist can help you develop a program and recommend which activities you do and how often you should do them. In addition, you can learn the correct form for these moves at sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. Finally, your therapist can observe you during appointments to ensure you’re exercising safely and working towards recovery. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need any clarification on your physical therapy exercises.

Don’t Expect Immediate Results

Healing the body after an injury can take time and effort, and if you expect immediate results, you may become discouraged with the process. Sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD, works better when you stick with a program and don’t drop out. Be sure to discuss if the exercises you perform cause pain with your therapist. While some discomfort can occur during physical therapy, you should keep your therapist aware of your feelings so that you do not inadvertently injure yourself further. If you can persevere and follow a therapeutic regimen, you are more likely to heal your injuries and rebuild your strength and mobility.

Do Have a Positive Attitude

Having the right attitude can go a long way when you need sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD. Physical therapy can help you feel a lot better, but it can also be challenging and tedious at times. Going into the process with a positive outlook can help give you the mental strength that can help you recover. It’s important to attend all of your appointments and take therapy seriously. Try to communicate openly with your therapist when you experience difficulties. You can work together to develop realistic goals for your recovery. The professionals at LeMoine Physical Therapy can guide you through the process of addressing your sports injury.

Overview: Sport-Injury Specific Physical Therapy

There are numerous areas of practice that are within the larger field of physical therapy. That being said, there are key differences in the types of care that is provided by physical therapists based on the specific needs of patients. For example, someone undergoing cardiopulmonary physical therapy would receive treatment suitable for their medical needs, whereas an athlete who suffered a knee injury would require treatment from a professional who focuses on sporting related injury rehabilitation.

The goal of both types of physical therapists is to restore the patients’ physical motion and get him or her back to doing normal, day-to-day activities.

Sports Physical Therapist

A professional who provides therapy to those who suffered a sport-induced injury is usually referred to as a sports physical therapist. A sports physical therapist aids their patients in rehabilitation to help them make it back to their optimum level of performance. Their recommendations for treatment are focused on returning patients to maximum level of physical function, regardless of ability level or age. 

Sports Injury Specialist

Sport Injury Specialists are licensed to treat sport-induced injuries or conditions. The motions that come with any physical sport such as running, jumping, lifting, physical contact with other participants, can lead to strain and injury. The goal of a sports injury specialist is to offer treatment recommendations based on the specific injuries sustained during the activity of sport.

In physical therapy for sports, the sports physical therapist’s central focus is to help in the rehabilitation of their patients to get them back to their previous level of physical function following a sports-specific condition – regardless of their age or current ability. 

In many cases a sports physical therapist will work with athletes, to aid in rehabilitation following an injury – although their treatment is not limited to professional or competitive athletes. Anyone who has been injured through their practice of a sport activity, whether recreationally or professionally, can receive physical therapy if they possess the desire to return to their previous level of ability. 

In some cases, sports physical therapists are hired by teams to create and manage rehabilitation programs for participating team members or athletes.

If left unaddressed, a minor sporting injury such as strain or sprain can lead to something far more severe, leaving the athlete unable to participate, and hindering their ability to do every day activities. 

Before embarking upon a physical therapy regimen, build a basic understanding of what the process entails. Entering the process with a general understanding of physical therapy as it relates to your sport injury will help you make the most of each session. Your therapist will certainly be able to take your understanding further, and can answer specific questions about the PT sessions that pertain to the recommended program for your injury or condition.

Sports therapy can help you get back to your optimum level of performance, so you can get back to participating in the activities that you enjoy. Sport injuries are a challenge faced by every athlete or recreational participant – but if you have the desire, a therapist can help you get back to where you want to be physically. 

If you have suffered a sports injury you should consider sports injury therapy in Baltimore, Maryland. Sports injuries can prevent you from doing the things you love and participating in hobbies that you have cultivated for years. Sports injury therapy can help you recover from your injuries and move on with your life. 

Contact LeMoine Physical Therapy today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss possible routes to your recovery. Contact us in Baltimore, Maryland or call us at (410) 498-8828 to learn more about the different kinds of physical therapy we offer. Our goal is to help you heal from your sports injuries. 

Which Sports Injuries Are More Common Than Others? 

Sports injuries are unique and no two injuries are exactly alike. Sports injuries generally come in two categories which are acute injuries and repetitive motion injuries. Most sports injuries are repetitive motion injuries and these include golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, runner’s knee, shin splints, and shoulder injuries. 

Lower back pain can also be a major part of sports injuries. Serious injuries involving lower back pain may appear quickly or come about over a long period of time. It is important that you focus on explaining to your sports injury therapist the exact types of physical activity that contributed to your injuries. 

How Do I Avoid Sports Injuries? 

If you want to avoid sports injuries you must properly train your body for the sports you want to practice. Weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises will help you develop a strong and healthy body that will reduce your chances of suffering serious bodily injury while playing sports. If an individual is out of shape and begins playing a sport then he or she is more likely to suffer injuries. Training, diet, and adequate sleep are all important to every athlete. 

All athletes should warm up and stretch before participating in any strenuous activity. If you do not focus on stretching you can easily sprain your muscles and suffer serious cramps that can lead to other types of injuries. Walking for a few minutes before a match or game can help you keep your body in good physical condition and prevent sprains. 

What Are Some Signs That I May Have A Sports Injury? 

If you suddenly feel pain in your joints or muscles then you may have suffered a sports injury. Also, if you lose range of motion or experience severe swelling then you may need to check with your doctor if you have suffered a sports injury. If you experience extreme pain while using a specific joint or muscle you should stop doing any activity with the joint or muscle and seek medical treatment. Do not continue to exercise or play sports while you are experiencing painful symptoms. A sports injury therapist can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. 

Contact LeMoine Physical Therapy Today To Schedule A Consultation 

Scheduling an appointment with a sports injury therapist has never been easier. Contact Lemoine Physical Therapy today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss your injuries and what you can do to heal from them. Call the office today at (410) 498-8828 to learn more about the services we offer.

Contact Our Office Today

Schedule an appointment for sports injury therapy in Baltimore, MD like at LeMoine Physical Therapy today. The sooner you get in for an appointment the faster we can help you heal. We need to begin treatments before your injury worsens. If you sit on it too long, your injury can become worse. Set up a consultation for an appointment right away so that we can answer all of the questions you may have about what your treatments would look like.