Sports are fun. But sports are also potentially dangerous. Not really “life threatening” dangerous, but any time you’re moving your body quickly, at full sprint, you can get hurt.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend athlete or a trying to be a professional, injuries are an unfortunate part of sports. Thankfully, many common sports injuries can be effectively treated through physical therapy.

Here are 5 injuries that respond well to PT:

  1. Ankle sprains – One of the most common injuries in sports, ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around the ankle are overstretched or torn. PT focuses on improving range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the ankle to provide more support, and exercises to improve stability. With time and dedication to your home exercises, you can often return to sports after just a few weeks.
  2. Knee pain – Issues like patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner’s knee, and IT band syndrome cause pain on the sides or behind the knee. PT addresses muscle imbalances, tightness, and weaknesses that contribute to knee problems through customized stretches and strengthening routines. Manual therapy techniques may also help alleviate pain.
  3. Low back pain – Lifting improperly, repetitive twisting, or impact activities can strain the low back. Physiotherapists perform hands-on treatments, provide stretches and exercises to improve core and back strength, and teach patients how to lift and move safely to prevent future episodes.
  4. Shoulder impingement – Throwing or sports with overhead movements (like tennis) are common causes of shoulder impingement, where soft tissues like the rotator cuff get squeezed within the shoulder joint. Gentle joint mobilizations combined with a home program of stretching and strengthening exercises can resolve impingement in many cases.
  5. Hamstring pulls – Sprinting or kicking sports frequently cause hamstring strains or tears. Physiotherapists help athletes regain hamstring flexibility, strength and endurance safely through a progressive rehabilitation plan. Integrating soft tissue work and trigger point therapy can speed the healing process.

With patience and consistency, addressing the root causes of injuries through physical therapy allows many athletes like you to return to the sports you love better than before.

Preventing Re-Injury With PT

Working with a physical therapist, athletes can strengthen vulnerable areas and lessen their chances of re-injury. A physical therapist can perform a thorough evaluation of an athlete’s movement patterns, mobility, muscle imbalances, and previous injuries.

The winning combination is a customized rehabilitation plan and exercises to address any weaknesses. In addition to strengthening targeted muscle groups, physical therapy also focuses on improving flexibility and range of motion. 

By having the athlete gradually progress their workouts under the guidance of a professional, they can build up vulnerable areas safely and use proper form to prevent future strains or tears. Following a physical therapy regimen allows athletes to return to their sport at full strength and with better movement strategies to protect them from re-injury long term.