When to See a Physiotherapist for a Sports Injury

You’re on your morning jog when you roll your ankle–and the pain and swelling aren’t going away. Or maybe you’ve noticed a persistent pain in your right knee every time you hit the gym. Maybe you’ve been dealing with elbow pain when you swing a golf club. Knowing when to see a physiotherapist for sports-related pain is key to finding a lasting solution!

Sometimes, a sports injury is obvious. You twist your knee awkwardly in the middle of a soccer game, hear something pop in the joint, and immediately fall to the ground in pain. In those cases, your best option is to head to emergency services.

But what about situations where it’s not so obvious? Often, persistent pain and restricted mobility, especially in a body part you use frequently, can indicate an underlying injury–and it’s situations like that when the team at Strive Fitness and Therapy really shines!

Keep reading to learn more about common sports injuries, when to see a physiotherapist, and how our Winnipeg, MB-based team can help!

Sports Injuries We Can Treat

Our physiotherapists have a keen understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal system. We understand how your body moves and can help identify specific impairments, postures, or muscular imbalances that might contribute to your injury.

For this reason, physiotherapy is considered a frontline treatment for a number of common sports injuries, including the following:

Muscle Or Tendon Strains

• Strains occur when either the muscle or ligament is overstretched or torn, leading to pain and limited mobility. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and strengthen the area to avoid another injury.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

• Sports often lead to repetitive stress injuries, in which repeated movements (such as throwing a baseball or swinging a golf club) strain the soft tissue. Physiotherapy helps address pain or mobility restrictions while helping you prevent future injuries.

Knee Injuries

• Physiotherapy can effectively treat several knee injuries, such as runner’s knee or mild ligament or meniscus tears. In situations where surgery is required to repair the damage, we’ll guide you through the rehabilitation.

Shoulder Injuries

• Sports can often lead to several shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff strains or dislocations. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the shoulder muscles and improving range of motion.

Ankle Sprains

• A sudden twist to the ankle joint can damage the ligaments. Physiotherapy helps reduce swelling and restore mobility and balance.

When To See a Physiotherapist for a Sports Injury

Suspecting a sports injury–even a minor one–can be worrisome, but knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in your recovery. Recognizing when to see a physiotherapist is vital to getting the appropriate care.

What To Do If You’ve Suffered an Acute Injury

Sometimes, you might injure yourself, but not so severely that you need to visit an emergency room. In those cases, here’s what we suggest:

• Stop any physical activity immediately. Rest the affected area and assess the severity of your injury.
• Using ice immediately after the injury (for 15-20 minutes at a time) on the first day can help reduce pain. Elevating and compressing the injury can help reduce swelling.
• Schedule an appointment with Strive Fitness and Therapy after a few days have gone by. If you’re still experiencing pain or dysfunction, we can help address your symptoms. But even if you’re not, we can help you understand why you suffered the injury and strengthen any weak areas so you don’t suffer another.

What To Do If You’re Struggling with “Mysterious Pain”

Sometimes, you might start to notice pain or restricted mobility during activity. This often indicates an overuse injury. Definitely make an appointment at our Winnipeg, MB clinic to confirm. We can help you rehabilitate the injury and avoid another.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Don’t let a sports injury keep you out of the game! If you’re dealing with musculoskeletal pain, restricted mobility, and/or swelling, request an appointment with the team at Strive Fitness and Therapy so we can create a customized treatment plan to get you back to your favorite activities!