Sports-Related Issues That Can Land You In A Physical Therapist's Clinic
While people commonly associate contact sports such as football and ice hockey with injuries, the reality is that it's possible to sustain an injury through a variety of seemingly gentler sports. If you're an avid athlete who enjoys playing one or more sports or physical activities throughout the week, you can eventually develop injuries that result from the repetition of the activity or the physical toll it takes on your body. This isn't a reason to quit playing — instead, you'll want to visit a local physical therapy clinic, like DeSoto Memorial Hospital, to seek help. Here are some sports-related issues that your physical therapist will be able to help with.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a term that is often used to describe the inflammation of the tendons in your arm. And while casual tennis players can definitely experience this issue, it may also be prevalent in golfers or those who play other sports. It's a good idea to visit your local physical therapist if you're experiencing tennis elbow. The pain can make it difficult or impossible to continue your chosen sport, but your therapist will use stretches and manual therapy to help alleviate your discomfort. Additionally, you'll get some recommendations about how much rest you should take between activities.
Shin Splints
If you run long enough, you'll often experience shin splits. This painful condition associated with the inside edge of your lower legs can arise as a result of frequent jogging, but other athletes such as soccer players may also experience it. When you visit your physical therapist, you'll learn a variety of stretches that you can use before and after each workout to limber up the affected area and reduce the amount of pain you experience. You'll also be taught how to properly ice the area after you're active, which can dull any discomfort you may be experiencing.
Joint Pain
A wide range of sports can cause pain to your joints, including jogging, basketball, and even dancing. If you encounter this discomfort, it's a good idea to see a physical therapist right away. As experts in body mechanics, physical therapists can often look at how you move and make suggestions about how to change your mechanics to reduce pain. For example, your running gait might be too high, creating a heavy impact with each step. By adjusting your gait based on your physical therapist's suggestions, you may not experience as much joint pain.
Share