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Whether you play sports professionally or recreationally, there is always a risk of getting hurt. Poor training methods, lack of conditioning, fatigue, and overuse are a few frequent causes of athletic injuries. Physical therapy can help you recover by rebuilding strength and movement and managing pain; routine treatment can also help prevent permanent damage. Here are some of the most common injuries physical therapists help athletes overcome.  

5 Athletic Injuries That Benefit From Physical Therapy

1. Ankle Sprains

Most athletes sprain an ankle at some point. This happens when the foot turns inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles will enhance stability and help prevent this injury. 

2. Shin Splints

Shooting pain that travels down the front of the leg is usually a sign of shin splints. These injuries are typically brought on by running, especially on hard surfaces. Increasing the arch support in shoes and running on different types of surfaces, including soft ones like grass, can help avoid excessive pulling on the tendon that contributes to shin splints.

3. Tennis Elbow 

athletic injuries Andalusia ALTennis elbow develops when the tendons in the elbow degenerate after repetitive use. The surrounding muscles can become inflamed, and tiny tears may form in the tendon. Doing exercises that strengthen the forearm and repositioning the body to take stress off the elbow while playing sports are crucial preventative steps. 

4. Runner’s Knee 

A large percentage of athletic injuries involves the knees. These injuries typically occur when the kneecap repeatedly grinds against the leg bone. Runner’s knee is one of the most common injuries to affect this area, and it occurs when the kneecap becomes misaligned. It can be avoided by wearing the right footwear and building strength in the quadriceps. 

5. Pulled Muscles

Pulled muscles tend to develop due to over-stretching or overusing a muscle. Excess strain tears the muscle fibers or tendons and can lead to spasms, stiffness, and swelling. Hamstring strains are among the most common type of pulled muscle and can be prevented by stretching before and after workouts to condition the body. 

 

If you’re worried about athletic injuries or need help recovering, the right team can get you back in the game. At Physical Therapy of Andalusia, we offer more than 39 years of experience in physical rehabilitation and have helped numerous Andalusia, AL, residents quickly return to their everyday activities. Our team of highly trained professionals provides a full spectrum of orthopedic care services that keep athletes active. Call (334) 222-5785 to schedule an appointment, or visit our website for additional information.

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