Top 10 Common Sports Injuries Treated with Physiotherapy
Sports injuries are an unavoidable part of physical activity, especially if you are a professional athlete who plays for competition, or you are just someone who enjoys playing sports for recreation or fitness. This blog will explore some of the most common sports injuries and the role of physiotherapy in treating these conditions.
Top 10 Common Sports Injuries that Physiotherapy can Treat
The following are some of the most common sports injuries that our physiotherapists at Edmonton can treat:
Sprains and Strains
If you have developed a strain or sprain, you may experience pain at the injury site, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, muscle weakness, etc. During physiotherapy for sprains and strains, you will undergo manual therapy, progressive weight-bearing, therapeutic exercises, taping, ice therapy, and proprioceptive training.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are usually associated with sports like swimming, tennis, volleyball, baseball (for pitchers), etc. During treatment, you may undergo ultrasound therapy and electrotherapy for pain management. Other treatment techniques may include soft tissue mobilization, stretching, strengthening exercises, postural correction training, etc.
ACL Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries)
ACL injuries may cause popping sounds at the time of injury, swelling of the knee, joint instability, severe pain, and reduced range of motion. While physiotherapy can fully handle partial tears of the ACL, you may need a surgical procedure if your ACL is completely torn. However, you will still need physiotherapy for post-surgical rehabilitation if you undergo surgery for ACL injuries.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
You may experience a dull, aching pain and clicking or popping sounds in the knee if you suffer from runner’s knee. Physiotherapy treatment techniques for this condition may include taping (patellar braces), stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, gait and movement analysis, orthotic recommendations, etc.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
If you develop a tennis elbow, you may experience pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow that worsens with lifting, twisting, and gripping motions. This injury is common in people who play sports like tennis, squash, badminton, weightlifting, golf, rock climbing, rowing, etc. Physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow may include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, shockwave therapy, bracing, ergonomic adjustments, etc.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
You may experience severe pain along the inner part of your lower leg, tenderness, swelling, etc. Stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, ice therapy, gait training, biomechanical assessment, and activity modifications are some of the common physiotherapy techniques that you may undergo if you suffer from shin splints.
Groin Pull (Adductor Strain)
You may feel pain and tenderness along your inner thigh, swelling, and bruises if you suffer from a groin pull. Deep tissue massage, strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, sports-specific drills, and balance training are some of the most common techniques used for groin pull injuries.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is characterized by pain and tenderness along the back of the lower calf or the heel, stiffness, swelling, thickening of the tendon, etc. You may have to undergo therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, shockwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, etc.
Stress Fractures
These are microscopic tears in the bone that occur due to repetitive overuse, poor nutrition, low bone density, improper footwear, poor running mechanics, etc. This condition causes pain that can increase with stress, swelling, tenderness in the affected area, etc. Physiotherapy treatment options for this condition include adequate rest, assistive devices, strengthening exercises, biomechanical assessment, etc.
Dislocation
If you have suffered a dislocation, you may experience severe pain, visible deformity, numbness or tingling, muscle spasm, swelling, bruising around the joint, limited range of motion, etc. Physiotherapy treatment methods for dislocation may include ice therapy, electrotherapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, proprioception and stability training, etc.
Conclusion
Sports injuries are frustrating and unfortunate. However, it is a common occurrence for people who try to keep a healthy lifestyle. However, when they occur, you must seek immediate treatment to avoid complications and return to the field of play in no time. Therefore, if you suffer from sports injuries, you should consider undergoing physical therapy at Vira Physiotherapy.