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Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or a weekend warrior, a sports injury can stop you in your tracks. Even if you’ve properly warmed up and used perfect technique, shin splints, a twisted ankle, or another debilitating injury can occur at any time. If you’ve been sidelined by a sports injury, physical therapy can help you get back in the game as quickly as possible.

How Physical Therapy Can Improve a Sports Injury

1. Promote Healing

Improper healing can be just as damaging as the injury itself, potentially causing lifelong pain and discomfort. Physical therapists know how to prescribe exercises that will ensure the injury heals without shortening muscles or causing imbalances in the joints.

For instance, if you’ve torn your ACL, they might recommend doing straight leg lifts or shallow knee bends until your tendons are ready for more strenuous exercises.

2. Prevent Long-Term Damage

sports injuryIf allowed to heal on its own, a relatively minor sports injury can cause discomfort and limit your ability to enjoy your favorite activities for years to come. In addition to providing immediate relief of your symptoms, a good physical therapist can also minimize the risk of long-term consequences.
 

Stretching and strengthening tendons, joints, and ligaments as they’re healing can be crucial for restoring your full range of motion, preventing stiffness and reducing the likelihood of suffering the same injury again.

3. Speed Up Recovery

Depending on the nature of your injury, you might need rest and recovery or a regular program of special exercises. Physical therapists know the best approach for each type of sports injury and can prescribe a treatment plan to shorten your recovery time as much as possible.

4. Prevent Re-Injury

Every sport has its own unique risks. For instance, runners often suffer stress fractures, while tennis players may develop tendonitis or sprained ligaments. Along with treating your injury, a physical therapist can give you valuable tips for enjoying your favorite sport safely.

For instance, they might teach you warm-up routines that prepare your body for strenuous activity or explain how long you should stretch before a long run or game.
 

No matter what type of sports injury you’ve suffered, trust the certified professionals at Step By Step Physical Therapy to help you get back on your feet. At their clinic in Warsaw, they’ve been serving athletes throughout western New York since 1992, and have the experience to handle almost type of injury. Follow their Facebook for updates and health tips, or call (585) 786-8700 to make your first appointment today.

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