Worcester: Avoid Surgery After A Sports Injury

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

December, 2017

“Don’t Ignore That Injury From Last Month’s Run!” AVOID SURGERY AFTER A SPORTS INJURY

Sports injuries in thisarticlewillbedefinedas injuries to themusculoskeletal 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 stretched or torn. Those connective tissues are known as ligaments. Sprains are caused by trauma such as a fall or blow to the body that knocks a joint out of position. Ankles, knees and wrists are most vulnerable 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, theknee is themostcommonly injured joint.Orthopedicsurgeons 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), 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 Worcester Physical Therapy Services 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. Even if you have an old injury, it is important to have it evaluated by 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.

“ DON’T WAIT FOR YOUR CO-PAY TO KICK IN, START YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY TODAY! ” Worcester Physical Therapy offers Direct Access for physical therapy and rehab programs. In accordance with Massachusetts State Law, Direct Access means an individual can be seen directly by a Physical Therapist, without a prescription or referral from their doctor. YOU CAN START NOW CALL TODAY! 508-791-8740

worcpt.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker