Introduction
For many of us, physical activity like exercise or engaging in sports has become part of everyday lives and has many proven health benefits. It improves our immune system, reduces heart disease, diabetes, helps to maintain a healthy weight, increases stamina and can even help support mental health problems.
Exercising or participating in sports is good to maintain a healthy physique. Excessive workouts or performing in sports without proper training or warmup can put you at risk of injury. Although sports injuries refer to injuries occurring during sports or exercises, it is generally used to refer injuries in the musculoskeletal system.
Injury Risks
Any sort of physical activity or sports carry the risk of injuries. Researchers say that 10 million sports injuries occur each year. But luckily, the benefits of engaging in sports far outweigh the risks. Most people experience minor sports-related injuries, and a few experience serious injuries. The most frequent type of sports injuries is strains, sprains, bruises while more serious injuries can be broken bones and torn cartilages.
How to Prevent the Risk of Sports Injuries
Always be mindful of proper training practices. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent the risk of injuries.
Select an activity that is appropriate for your current level of fitness. Begin slowly. Ensure you warm up first and then warm down with stretches afterward to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some of the tips to reduce the risk of sports injuries:
- Warm up before any sports activity. It will make your muscles more flexible.
- Learn the proper way of playing the sport you are participating in.
- Start slow and gradually increase the intensity of the sport. Don’t rush or force yourselves into a sport that has just been picked up.
- Always wear protective and well-fitting equipment for each sport including footwear.
- Ensure that you have a well-balanced diet to nourish your body.
- Take in adequate fluid before, during and after the sports activity to prevent injuries from dehydration.
- Take breaks in between practice or playing sports.
- Cooling down after exercising or participating in any sports activity is as important as warming up.
- Rest well to avoid injuries due to fatigue.
Following precautions can help reduce risks. If you still feel that something isn’t right, back off. Consult a professional Physical Therapist before continuing with the exercise or any intense physical activity. The physical therapists at Optimum Rehab have hands-on experience treating sports injuries. So, proceed with the sound advice to stay fit longer.
Treatment for Sports Injuries
Typically, sports injuries are injuries to the musculoskeletal system including muscles, bones, tendons, cartilages, and ligaments.
If you get injured, the main aim should be to control bodies inflammatory response. The first treatment you should get after an injury to reduce swelling, pain and blood flow can be remembered with the acronym, RICE.
Rest - Rest is particularly important at this stage in order not to worsen the injury and to prevent further damage. Stop the activity right away!
Ice - Apply a cold pack or bag of ice to the injured area as soon as possible until the swelling is gone. Ensure you don’t apply ice directly to the skin.
Compression - Bandage the injury firmly but not so tightly to reduce swelling.
Elevation - Elevate the injured part of your body at heart level or above to prevent additional swelling and pain.
Still, following this method will work for minor injuries and not major ones. So, if you don’t feel well, consult a professional. In the case of sports injuries, consulting a physical therapist would always be the better choice.
Role of Physical Therapy in Sports Injuries
Depending upon the type of injury, the treatment also varies. After getting injured, getting back on track is important for regaining your healthy lifestyle.
Physical therapy is the most reliable treatment known for sports injuries and rehabilitation. Treatment for Injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, strains, sprains and result in reduced pain and faster healing. Early intervention is key. If you are experiencing a major injury such as a bone fracture or injuries that require a surgery, it is essential that you take help from an orthopaedic surgeon. Even after surgery, getting back to normal life will be enhanced with the direction from an experienced Physical Therapist.
Physical therapists at Optimum Rehab Physical Therapy in New York City are specialized in Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Treatment. The expert Physical Therapists at Optimum Rehab customize treatment programs for different types of sports injuries that meet the current health and needs of each patient and use different modalities to increase strength, restore structural balance and regain mobility. The treatment program is tailored to meet the patient’s post-recovery goals. Even if you have more serious injuries affecting ligaments and tendons, the orthopedic rehabilitation team in Optimum Rehab Physical Therapy will help you get back to optimal function.
Don’t be side-lined by injury, contact us today for Physical Therapy treatment for Sports Injury and get back to the sport you love.