How can physical therapy help?

One of the most common questions following a sports-related injury is “When will I be able to play again?” There are some vital steps that need to be taken before this timeline is determined. Since most sports injuries are traumatic, it is recommended to see a medical doctor and have imaging done such as an X-ray or MRI to determine the severity of the injury. In more severe cases of complete tears or fractures, surgery may be necessary. Regardless of whether surgical intervention is needed, A physical therapist will perform an initial evaluation which includes movement analysis, strength testing, and range of motion measurements to identify limitations and gain insight on the best possible treatment approach. A plan of care will then be tailored to your individual needs and relevant to your sport that will include manual release of muscular tension, therapeutic exercise, stretching, as well as patient education on a home-based program for optimal outcomes. Physical therapy treatment is focused on promoting pain-free movement and future injury prevention for safe return to sports.