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A Proactive Approach: Key Principles of Injury Prevention in Sports Physical Therapy

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A Proactive Approach: Key Principles of Injury Prevention in Sports Physical Therapy

A Proactive Approach: Key Principles of Injury Prevention in Sports Physical Therapy
Dec 30, 2023
Sports Injury, Health & Wellness, Aches & Pains

The Time for Sports Injury Prevention Is Now – Before You Get Hurt

For athletes, sports-related injuries rank among the most prevalent health issues, often resulting in reduced performance and withdrawal from competition. Studies show that sports injury prevention programs can help decrease the occurrence of muscle strains, knee injuries, and ankle injuries in athletes.

Sports injury prevention with physical therapy aims to minimize both the frequency and severity of sports-related injuries, as well as to prevent re-injury.

At Hernandez Therapy, we specialize in prevention techniques to keep you strong, keep you in the game, and minimize the need for surgical interventions.

Call our clinic today to book an appointment for a personalized sports injury prevention plan with our skilled physical therapists!

Common Forms of Sports-Related Injuries

Recent studies concluded that the most common sports-related injuries are muscle and tendon strains and ligament sprains.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are the most common sports-related knee injuries, especially in athletes who frequently have to cut, pivot, decelerate, and change directions, like in football, soccer, and basketball.

Baseball players can sustain injuries from the stress of repetitive throwing, often leading to ligament strains in the elbow, as well as injuries to the hip, knee, and ankle from sliding into bases at high speed or chasing after a ball.

The repetitive nature of competitive swimming can result in what is commonly referred to as “Swimmers Shoulder,” a condition that causes pain in the shoulder as a result of overuse and misuse during training and competition.

Running is popular for sport and exercise, and research reveals that over 50% of runners face injuries annually. Runners report a variety of injuries that sports injury prevention with physical therapy can help prevent, like:

  • Runners Knee
  • Shin Splints
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Ankle sprains

Physical activity, including sports and recreational participation, is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Injury prevention techniques and exercises are crucial in reducing the long-term effects of sports-related injury.

It’s never too late to begin working with a physical therapist for injury prevention.

Our Physical Therapy Approach to Sports Injury Prevention

Our physical therapy treatments include key principles of sports injury prevention, including:

  • Evaluation: We’ll conduct a comprehensive health history assessment, addressing your goals, concerns, and any current physical issues, and perform in-depth movement screens that assess strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and more.
  • Stretching and Mobility Work: You will learn targeted stretching exercises and mobility drills customized to your needs to increase the range of motion in joints and mobility in the muscles and tendons.
  • Muscle Strengthening: Our physical therapists will design strengthening exercises that may include weights, exercise bands, sports-specific resistance training, and other highly effective techniques.
  • Return to Sports Training: With our sports therapists, your coordination, agility, speed, and power get a boost, ensuring you are game-ready. We utilize state-of-the-art training strategies to prepare you for peak athletic performance.

Our devoted team of sports physical therapists employs the most effective strategies and techniques for injury prevention. We will work closely with you to create proactive programs to prevent sports-related injuries and keep you in the game.

Call Hernandez Therapy today to schedule your physical therapy appointment and take your first steps toward sports injury prevention.

Sources:
Sports Injury, Health & Wellness, Aches & Pains