TREATING & PREVENTING THROWING INJURIES THIS SPRING
Your body, quite simply, was made to move! With gyms and exercise classes closed down, for the time being, it can be difficult to find the motivation to get your daily physical activity while sitting at home. Fortunately, with the warm weather coming in full swing, it is a great time to get outdoors and play some spring sports – while continuing to stay safe and keep your distance, of course. As always, if you find yourself in pain from a throwing injury this spring or you’d like to discuss ways you can stay active, don’t hesitate to contact ReQuest Physical Therapy. Common causes of throwing/upper extremity injuries. Upper extremity injuries typically fall under one of two categories: acute or overuse. Acute injuries are caused by a single specific incident, such as a strain or tear. Overuse injuries are caused by excessive repetitive movements over time. Some of the most common types of upper extremity injuries include: • Tennis elbow. While this term is colloquially referred to as “tennis elbow,” it can also be caused by other sports and activities, including softball, baseball, raking leaves, and even excessive typing on a computer. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that results in inflammation of the tendons in the forearm, making it difficult to lift your arm. • Golfer’s elbow. This is another colloquial term, used to describe an overuse injury causing muscle inflammation inside the elbow. It is also sometimes referred to as “Little Leaguer’s Elbow.” This injury runs from the bony point of your elbow and can stretch down your forearm, making it dif ficult to extend or lift your arm. Sports and activities that generally result in golfer’s elbow include golf, baseball, softball, bowling, and gardening. • Flexor tendinitis. This is an over use injury that causes swelling in the tendons that control your hand movement, making it difficult to bend your fingers and move your hand or elbow. Flexor tendinitis is typically associated with sports that require constant throwing, such as softball, baseball, football, or shot put.
• Frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder can result from either an acute injury or an overuse injury. It occurs when the tissue in your shoulder thickens or scar tissue forms, causing your shoulder to feel as if it’s being “squeezed” and making it difficult to move. • Rotator cuff tear. Rotator cuff tears can occur from either acute or overuse causes, as well. For example, falling on an outstretched arm, sustaining a blow to the shoulder, or partaking in repetitive overhead motions (such as those in swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, or football) can all result in rotator cuff tears. This occurs when the muscles or tendons that surround the shoulder joint become damaged or torn. What can I do if I think I sustained an upper extremity injury? With more time around the house during these uncertain times, there is also more time to consult with your physical therapist. At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we are able to treat both old and new injuries alike. If you feel an old injury flare-up, or if you think you may have sustained a new injury from playing spring sports from the comfort of your backyard, contact us. The overall goal of physical therapy is healing and prevention. In addition to treating the injury, our physical therapists will help strengthen the affected area, in order to prevent additional injury from occurring. Our physical therapists can also provide you with helpful warm-up and cool- down techniques for your sport or hobby, in order to lower the risk of sustaining another injury. In addition to injury treatment and prevention, our licensed physical therapists can also provide you with the necessary physical and hygienic precaution tips for staying safe and healthy during the pandemic – all while still being able to carefully get out and participate in the activities you love. For more information, contact us today.
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