Many sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, bone fractures, and dislocations require Physical Therapy sessions to heal completely. It can be very distressing for athletes to compromise on their sports career due to an injury. Physical therapy can help heal sports injuries and offer relief from the pain. Physical Therapy is also helpful in returning flexibility back to the injured muscle or body part.
Here are some of the physical therapy techniques that might be included in your treatment plan:
Ice Pack Application: This method is often prescribed to treat acute sports injuries. Applying ice on the affected area can help to reduce swelling and pain. The physical therapist may apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your injured part for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Heat Pack Application: If your injury has not caused any swelling, heat pack may be used by the physical therapist to relive pain and ease muscle stiffness. The pack may be applied for about 20 to 30 minutes. It can also help to boost the recovery process by increasing blood flow to the injured joints.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS): This battery-operated device is used to transmit minute electric current to the injured body part. It will produce a tingling sensation and help to relieve pain.
Ultrasound: This is deep heating equipment used to direct sound vibrations to the tissues. The physical therapist may use ultrasound waves to heat up and soften the affected tissues so that they get healed completely.
Soft Tissue Mobilization: This massaging technique may be used to decrease swelling, ease pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce tissue adhesions. The physical therapist may use different hand movements involving deep pressure and rhythmic stretching.
Range Of Motion Exercises: These can be helpful to increase the joint’s range of motion. Performing range of motion exercises regularly can be beneficial to maintain the mobility of joints and muscles.
Gait Training: Some sports injuries require the patient to walk using a crutch or brace to avoid putting stress on the affected body part. The physical therapist may help you understand the correct way to use the walking device as well as getting used to wearing it.
To know more about the benefits and techniques of physical therapy for sports injuries, visit OrthoTexas, Plano, TX. To schedule an appointment with the physical therapists, you can call at 972-596-1715