How Physical Therapy Can Help Sports Injuries This Spring
At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we are experienced in dealing with all spring sports season injuries and can give you the programs to prepare you for the season and prevent new injuries! Are you looking forward to getting out on the courts? Do you look forward to golf or the start of baseball/softball season?
The winter seasons can be sedentary and lead to more aches, pains, and discomfort than one may think. Fortunately, the warm weather is a great time to get outdoors and play sports.
If you find yourself in pain from a throwing injury or a bad swing of the club or racquet this spring, or you’d like to discuss ways you can get in shape to prevent any injury, don’t hesitate to contact ReQuest Physical Therapy.
Whether you are a young athlete or have played sports for decades, our physical therapists know how to treat your injuries and get you back in the game.
Common Causes of Sports-Related Injuries
Injuries are a part of sports, but you can resolve them quickly and get back to doing what you love with a proactive approach to rehabilitation. Most athletes learn that taking care of issues when they are small leads to a faster recovery.
Many people think sprains and strains are the same, but they describe damage to different tissues. Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones, and ligaments are tissues that connect bones to the bone.
- Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits or torn.
- Strains occur when a tendon is stretched beyond its limits or torn.
Sprains are typically the result of a trauma, a deceleration (slowing down) movement, or a sudden change in direction. The most common symptoms include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, and sometimes an inability to move the joints where the injury occurred.
Ankle sprains are often the result of a faulty step while running or stepping on uneven terrain. The injury occurs when the ankle rolls, twists, or turns awkwardly to the outer aspect of the ankle (i.e., lateral ankle sprain). This sudden stretch leads to partial or complete tearing of the ligaments supporting the ankle joint. The severity of the injury will determine the degree of pain, inflammation, and ability to move the joints where the injury occurred.
Approximately 85% of ankle sprains are inversion sprains (i.e., rolling outward). This injury damages the outside (lateral) ligaments and may lead to restrictions on how the joint moves. The joint restrictions will, in turn, affect the athlete’s ability to tolerate running and jumping and may also lead to chronic ankle instability and new injuries that impact an athlete’s ability.
It is important to note that it is in your best interest to have a physical therapist make sure a sprain is fully healed before returning to your normal level of physical activity. Regardless of the type and nature of your sports injuries, our team can help!
What to Expect from Physical Therapy
The overall goal of physical therapy is healing and prevention. In addition to treating the injury, our physical therapists will help resolve any pain, restore motion and strengthen the affected area to prevent additional injury.
An effective rehabilitation program depends on a thorough history to understand the exact nature of the injury and the athlete’s goals. We use the information gathered in the initial evaluation to identify the underlying condition and pathology of the symptoms.
The initial stages of physical therapy will focus on restoring any lost motion, reducing the swelling, and using all available treatments to alleviate any pain you may experience.
Your physical therapist will incorporate manual techniques and modalities to reduce pain and inflammation before initiating active rehabilitation. Our programs focus on correcting dysfunction and/or improper technique and equipment.
Dysfunctional movement patterns can last for years, leading to re-injury and other injuries. Our therapists will design a comprehensive program that includes restoring range of motion, strengthening, neuromuscular control, proprioceptive responses, and sports-specific exercises. We will look for any changes in your gait pattern that may make it difficult for you to move around freely.
Our physical therapists will show you therapeutic exercises to address any underlying issue, such as a weakness that may be contributing to altered movement patterns, balance issues, and overall susceptibility to more injuries. We will perform a comprehensive assessment to ensure we provide the tools you need to enjoy the sport you love!
Contact ReQuest Physical Therapy To Schedule An Appointment
We will work with you at ReQuest Physical Therapy to accommodate your needs by providing the most advanced rehabilitation strategies and injury prevention programming.
For more information, contact us today!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Return to ReQuest Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Restorative Yoga with Shawn Hinds
About This Class
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that encourages physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness and deep breathing.
When: Thursday 1pm-1:45pm
Where: Gainsville Health & Fitness
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Almond Cherry Arugula Salad
Taste How Delicious Weight Loss Can Be
Ingredients
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup barley or lentils, cooked and cooled
- 20 fresh cherries, pits removed and quartered
- 1/4 cup raw almonds, sliced or slivered
- 1/4 crumbled goat or feta cheese
- Balsamic vinegar to taste
In a large bowl add arugula, barley, and cherries. Toss gently to combine.
Top with almonds and goat cheese.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Enjoy as refreshing appetizer or side salad to baked fish or grilled chicken!
Patient Testimonial 🌟
“Before working with Jeni, my shoulder pain was only getting worse. My doctor recommended physical therapy as a first step before considering surgery, and I am so grateful I found Jeni. I was struggling with even the simplest movements—raising my right arm over my head, getting dressed, or reaching behind my back was painful and frustrating. But after just six weeks of working with Jeni, my pain has dramatically improved. I can now move my arm freely without discomfort, and getting dressed is no longer a painful chore.
Jeni is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to explain exactly why we’re doing each exercise. She tailors every session to maximize progress, mixing things up so I never feel stuck in a routine. It’s clear she truly understands the mechanics of the body and how to help her patients heal effectively.
Beyond her expertise, Jeni is also warm, funny, and encouraging—exactly what you want in a physical therapist. She makes the process not only effective but actually enjoyable. I can’t say enough positive things about her! As I get older, I know that the first thing I’ll do if a new pain emerges is call Jeni. She has made an incredible difference in my recovery, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of physical therapy. She’s simply the best!”
-Cindy N.
Spring into Wellness with Massage Therapy!
Spring is the season of renewal. Why not give your body the same fresh start? Whether you are shaking off winter stiffness or gearing up for outdoor activities, massage therapy is the perfect way to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and boost your energy.
Don’t wait to feel your best – book a massage appointment today!
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5 Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Have you been putting off spring cleaning? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. With your hectic schedule, it can be easy to overlook this essential activity.
However, there are many reasons why you should include spring cleaning into your routine. Here are 5 good reasons to make time for spring cleaning this season.
1. A clean home is better for your immune system
Mold, dust, and pet dander can accumulate in your home during the colder months when there is less opportunity for air circulation. A deep dive into spring cleaning helps to air out your home, preventing respiratory issues.
2. It’s an easy way to get active
Cleaning can be a real workout! From sweeping the floors to scrubbing tile to moving around furniture, spring cleaning can help you get active. Exercise has numerous benefits, including stress reduction and better heart health.
3. It lessens the possibility of injury
A cluttered home puts you, your children, or an elderly family member at risk of injury. Clearing out high-traffic areas and walkways can help to prevent falls, which can be especially dangerous for older individuals.
4. It improves concentration and mood
Studies show that a clean home positively affects your daily mood and ability to focus/complete tasks. Now that so many of us work from home, this has never been more important!
5. You can donate unused items to others
Part of cleaning is going through old and unused items to see what can find a new home. Not only is donating to charity emotionally rewarding, it helps free up space in your home and can encourage you to become more organized.
With so many benefits to spring cleaning, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Thank You for Subscribing to ReQuest Physical Therapy
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at ReQuest Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the communities around us. In order to do that, we want to change as many lives as possible and become a beacon of positivity in our communities.
Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from our pain-relieving services? At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we love helping people achieve relief from pain and reach their full potential, thus making a difference in their lives.
If you know someone who could use our help, click the button below to fill out our form and we will send them information about how we may be able to help their condition. Be sure to let them know you referred them so they can thank you!
Meet Our Team
Jeff Gilliam
PT, PhD, OCS
Penny Goldberg
PT, DPT, ATC
Jerry O. Rieta
PT, CSCS, CPT
Alphonso Jones
PTA, NASM CPT
Adrian Latscu
PTA, ACCI
Patricia Nichols
OT, CHT
Samantha Ream
M.Ed., LMT
Tiffany Fisher
PhD, LMT
