Author: Ben Moser, PT, DPT
Sports are an excellent way for kids and adults alike to get meaningful physical activity and socialize in a group setting. They can also scratch that competitive itch. Even in our later years, sports like golf and pickleball are an excellent way to keep moving and get the heart rate up. Additionally, these sports help us enjoy some friendly competition. However, sports injuries do occur. After an athlete sustains a sports injury, physical therapy is a great way to help them recover and return to their desired sport. Physical therapy can also play a part in reducing sports injuries from happening in the first place.
Physical therapists are trained in assessment. They assess range of motion, strength, balance, endurance, and motor control. In doing so, PTs find the weakest links in the chain which may increase an individual’s risk of sports injury.
Possible strength testing reveals:
- A significant difference in left knee extension strength compared to right. Then during deceleration such as rapidly coming to a stop from sprinting, this athlete’s left knee is more susceptible to failure. It may not be able to handle the forces necessary. When the force required exceeds the loading capacity, a sports injury is more likely.
- A definite loss of shoulder flexion on one side compared to the other. It becomes much more likely for that tight shoulder to become painful and sore after a game of pickup basketball. This is especially true in games that require frequent overhead reaching to try and fight for a rebound.
- A tight neck can alter a golf swing. This can cause balls that should land on the fairway to land in Mrs. Johnson’s backyard.
The human body is designed to take the path of least resistance. So, if an athlete cannot move through the range of motion necessary to complete their sport, the body will find a way to “force it”. This can place unnecessary strain on tissues that weren’t meant to be moved. If they do not have the strength to handle the loads and forces produced during their sport, then overuse injuries such as “Runner’s Knee” or “Jumper’s Knee” can occur. These injuries can cause pain not only in sports, but with simple daily activities.
Contact Summit Strength PT
The Summit Strength Physical Therapy clinical team has extensive training in mechanical assessment and can help you or a loved one identify the root cause of your pain or sports injury. Additionally, we can get you on the fast track to getting healthy and back on the field or court again. Contact us at 816-524-7040 TODAY! https://www.summitstrength.com/contact/
800 NW Main St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
info@summitstrength.com
816-524-7040