Nebraska PT: Avoid Surgery after an Injury

Nebraska Orthopaedic Newsletter

You Can Avoid Surgery After a Sports Injury

Amy Hoffman, PT, DPT

tendonitis and iliotibial band syndrome (pain on the outer side of the knee). Severe knee injuries often include bone bruises or damage to the cartilage or ligaments. SHIN SPLINTS: Shin splints occur when there is a pain along the large bone in the front of the lower leg, known as the tibia or shin bone. Shin splints most commonly occur in runners, especially those who are just starting a running program. This is usually due to poor alignment of the body, or weakness in the leg muscles. The team at Nebraska Orthopaedic PhysicalTherapy can treat many orthopedic and repetitive motion injuries without the need for invasive surgeries or medications. In fact, most doctors have their patients try physical therapy first before recommending any other procedures. The licensedphysical therapistsandphysical therapist assistants at Nebraska Orthopaedic PhysicalTherapy cancustomizeaprogramthataddressestheweakness of your particular musculoskeletal system, allowing you to recover quickly and remain active. Even if you haveanold injury, it is important tohave itevaluatedby our physical therapists to prevent long-term damage like arthritis. If you have sports or orthopedic injuries like tendonitis, arthritis, a stress fracture or low back pain, our therapists can design a treatment plan to promote improved function, wellness and minimize the risk of re-injury.

Youdon’thave tobeaprofessionalorevenanamateur athlete to suffer a sports injury. In fact, many times, those most susceptible to sports injuries are people who have just started exercising or participate on a recreational level. Sports injuries in this article will be defined as injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones and tissues such as cartilage. The most common sports injuries include: SPRAINS: A sprain occurs when the connective tissue that joins the end of the bone with another is stretchedor torn. Thoseconnective tissuesareknown as ligaments. Sprains are caused by trauma such as a fall or blow to the body that knocks a joint out of position. Ankles,kneesandwristsaremostvulnerable to sprains. However, back, neck and shoulder sprains are very common too. STRAINS: A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is pulled, torn or twisted. Strains are non-contact injuries, such as those that occur from overstretching. A common example of a strain is a muscle spasm. A back or neck strain is a very common injury treated in physical therapy. KNEE INJURIES: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the knee is the most commonly injured joint. Orthopedic surgeons see more than 5.5 million people annually for knee injuries, which can include runner’s knee (pain or tenderness close to the knee cap at the front side of the knee),

• Physical Therapist with Nebraska Orthopaedic

Physical Therapy for 5+ years • Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University in 2009 • Trained in Graston Technique • Trained in Kinesiotaping • Forward on the Creighton Bluejays women’s basketball team from 2002-2006

402-620-4605 CALL TODAY! www.NEOrthoPT.com

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