Tag Archives: Overuse Injury

Common Football Injuries

August 9, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Football is one of the most popular sports played by young athletes, and it leads all other sports in the number of injuries sustained. In 2007, more than 920,000 athletes under the age of 18 were treated in emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, and clinics for football-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Physical therapy can provide specific treatment to a number of specific football injuries. Here are a few injuries that can happen during a football game or practice:

KNEE INJURIES
Knee injuries in football are the most common, especially those to the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) and to the menisci (cartilage of the knee). These knee injuries can adversely affect a player’s long-term involvement in the sport. Football players also have a higher chance of ankle sprains due to the surfaces played on and cutting motions.

Physical therapy treatment for knee injuries may include:
• Exercises to help promote recovery. Specifically, therapists will design a program to strengthen the whole leg as well improve its range of motion.
• Balance exercises to allow the return to daily activities (including work and sports) while decreasing the risk of falls and reinjury
• Hands-on treatment to keep the knee joint from becoming stiff
• Ice and vasopneumatic pressure to reduce swelling and pain

SHOULDER INJURIES
Shoulder injuries are also common. The labrum (cartilage bumper surrounding the socket part of the shoulder) is particularly susceptible to injury, especially in offensive and defensive linemen. In addition, injuries to the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) or shoulder are commonly seen in football players.

Physical therapy treatment for shoulder injuries may include:
NON-SURGICAL
Most labral tears will respond well to non-surgical treatment and may be just one component of a multi-factored pathology of the aging shoulder. Physical therapy will typically address a labral tear from the biomechanical approach of improving the motion and reducing the repetitive injury. If the inflammation and mechanical stress on the structures can be reduced then the tissue has a chance to heal.
SURGICAL
If the athlete has had surgery to the shoulder, the therapist will follow a specific protocol to apply just the right amount of strain on the shoulder to keep it safe after surgery. A sling may be recommended in the early stages but the therapist will get the arm moving with assistance within a relatively short period of time. Physical therapists will give instructions on how to provide varying levels of assistance to the arm for motion in safe planes in front of the body, and eventually throughout the entire range of motion. Once the tissues are healed, the therapist will begin to put resistance on the support structures in order to improve the mechanics of motion and reduce the risk of another injury.

CONCUSSIONS
Football players are very susceptible to concussions. A concussion is a change in mental state due to a traumatic impact. Not all those who suffer a concussion will lose consciousness. Some signs that a concussion has been sustained are headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, drowsiness, numbness/tingling, difficulty concentrating, and blurry vision. The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional. It is recommended that players go though a concussion baseline test before the start of the season. Results from baseline tests (or pre-injury tests) can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted by a healthcare professional during the season if an athlete has a suspected concussion. More information here.

Physical therapy treatment for concussions may include:
EVALUATION: The physical therapist will take time to talk with you and perform a thorough examination of your condition.
THERAPY: The physical therapist will plan a treatment program suited to your individual condition, which will involve exercises for your balance, vision, inner ear and more in order to restore brain function.
TEACHING: Physical therapists will spend time reviewing information with you regarding your diagnosis and progress as well as answering your questions. This empowers the patient to make a lifelong impact on their health.
RETURN TO SPORT: Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to guide you towards a safe return to sport. A therapist can guide recovering athletes through a stepwise protocol to keep patients symptom free, and to prevent serious, life-threatening conditions associated with a second head injury due to early return to football.

OVERUSE INJURIES
Low-back pain, or back pain in general, is a fairly common complaint in football players due to overuse. Overuse can also lead to overtraining syndrome, when a player trains beyond the ability for the body to recover.

Physical therapy treatment for overuse injuries may include:
Pain-relieving techniques (such as ice) and decreasing or modifying painful activities. This diagnosis often occurs from muscular tightness or weakness which causes posture to get out of alignment. A physical therapist will educate and assist in proper stretching and strengthening exercises for the back. They may perform hands on, manual therapy techniques to further increase joint flexibility. The final phase of rehab will involve strengthening during functional activities and education to prevent the injury from recurring.

RESOURCES:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov

Stop Sports Injuries
www.stopsportsinjuries.org

REFERENCES:
Preventing Football Injuries. http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/STOP/Prevent_Injuries/Football_Skating_Injury_Prevention.aspx

The Most Common Causes of Pitching Arm Injuries

July 5, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Arm, Blog, Sports and Fitness

The most common causes of pitching arm injuries to high school, college and professional pitchers are overload, overuse, lack of proper conditioning and improper throwing mechanics.

• Overload is the result of throwing too many pitches during one outing. Maximum pitch counts for various age groups, or for an individual pitcher’s normal strength and stamina, are effective in preventing overload.

• Overuse is the result of pitching too often and not having an adequate recovery time or a good arm maintenance program (stretching, running, strengthening, throwing) between pitching assignments. Coaches and trainers should be aware that each individual pitcher varies in arm strength, arm fatigue, arm tightness and soreness and require different recovery time needs. Make certain you provide your pitcher with a good active recovery program between pitching assignments.

• Proper conditioning involves the entire body; the legs and core muscles as well as the throwing arm. Coaches should supervise a proper stretching and warm-up procedure that is performed daily before throwing a ball.

• Pre-season is one of the most frequent times for arm injuries. Pitchers throw too much and too hard, too early. Also, they have not ingrained their normal rhythm and often are attempting to learn new techniques or new pitches. Another major factor of injury during pre-season is that pitchers are not working with a normal in-season rotation schedule and do not get enough recovery time from a lot of necessary drill work that involves throwing (pick-offs, defensive plays, etc.).

• Improper throwing mechanics. If a pitcher has improper throwing techniques, with the body or arm, there is a great chance of early fatigue of the throwing mechanism, and of course injury. The more power and force generated, the greater the chance of injury. In a competitive situation, most pitchers will not admit they are fatigued, experiencing minor pain or have a minor injury. It is important that you, a coach, trainer or physical therapist be able to recognize changes in the pitcher’s mechanics, performance, or mannerisms.

This information about common causes of pitching arm injuries was written by University Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with eight locations in New River Valley, Virginia. University PT is THE choice for outstanding sports rehabilitation, physical therapy and occupational therapy services. For more information click here.

July 2016 Events

June 23, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

Check out our Physical Therapy Monthly Events Calendar! Focusing on events from PTandMe.com participating physical and occupational therapy clinics. Read more to find out what’s happening in your community in July 2016!

INDIANA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN
DATE: July 15th, 2016 7:00AM – NOON
Steel Dynamics Health & Safety Fair
CLINIC: New Horizons Physical Therapy – Jeffersonville
New Horizons Physical Therapy will be participating in Steel Dynamics – Jeffersonville location’s Health and Safety Fair. The fair is open to Steel Dynamics employees and their families and they look forward to seeing you there! For more information about New Horizons Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.newhorizonsphysicaltherapy.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

MONROE, MI
DATE: July 5th, 2016
Clinic Relocation
CLINIC: Advanced Physical Therapy – Monroe
Advanced Physical Therapy is the leading provider of physical therapy, spine care and sports medicine in Southeast, MI. They are proud to be part of the Monroe community, and are committed to helping you, their friends and neighbors, get through your pain and on with life. Visit them at their new location: Hampton Plaza 1291 N. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48162 www.advphysicaltherapy.com.

SOUTHGATE, MI
DATE: July 18th, 2016 7:30PM
Building Better Runners Series (FREE)
CLINIC: Advanced Physical Therapy – Southgate
Join Advanced Physical Therapy at their Southgate location for a FREE talk focused on the Runner’s Core Routine. Come and learn a step-wise approach to strengthening the lower extremity, specific for runners. This “learn by doing” presentation will build on our Glute Activation talk. Come dressed and ready to participate. Coaches are always welcome, as are your athletes. To sign up please call 734-284-6582 to reserve your spot. More info on Advanced PT at www.advphysicaltherapy.com.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

PULASKI, TN
DATE: July 23rd, 2016
Registration Due for 2nd Annual Golf Scramble
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – Pulaski
STAR Physical Therapy – Pulaski is raising money for The American Heart Association through a fun Golf Tournament. The event will be held August 6th but registration for teams is due on July 23rd. For more information or to register call STAR Physical Therapy at 931-292-6311. For more info about STAR Physical Therapy you can visit them online at www.starpt.com.

MT. JULIET, TN
DATE: July 21st 2016, 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Back Pain Talk
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy – Mt. Juliet
STAR Physical Therapy – Mt. Juliet South is hosting a FREE talk about back pain and how physical therapy can help at the Del Webb Country Club. Anyone in the Del Webb community is welcome to attend. A question and answer section will be held at the end. For more info about STAR Physical Therapy you can visit them online at www.starpt.com.

VIRGINIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BLACKSBURG, VA
DATE: July 29th, 2016, 2:00PM
Dizziness/ Vestibular Rehabilitation Talk
CLINIC: University Physical Therapy – Blacksburg
Kelly Wilson, PT, DPT from University Physical Therapy – West Blacksburg is hosting a FREE talk at the Blacksburg Public Library to discuss dizziness, vertigo and vestibular issues and how physical therapy can help. For more information about University Physical Therapy visit them online at www.universityptonline.com.

BRAMBLETON, VA
DATE: July 2016
New Clinic Opening
CLINIC: The Jackson Clinics – Brambleton
The Jackson Clinics are happy the announce the opening of their newest location in Brambleton, VA – located at 42365 Soave Dr. Bramleton, VA 20148. For more information about the Jackson Clinics visit them online at www.thejacksonclinics.com.

WISCONSIN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

PLOVER, WI
DATE: July 18th, 2016
New Clinic Opening
CLINIC: Sport and Spine Physical Therapy – Plover
Sport and Spine Physical Therapy is proud the announce the opening of it’s newest location in Plover! Located at 1767 Park Avenue, Suite 200, Plover, Wisconsin. Caitlyn Barr, DPT, will be the physical therapist on site. For more information about Sport and Spine physical therapy visit them online at www.sportspinewi.com.

WAUSAU, WI
DATE: July 19th, 2016, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
WVAM Sports Physical Event
CLINIC: Sport and Spine Physical Therapy – Wausau
Sport and Spine Physical Therapy along with other members of the WVAM are providing physicals for athletic students at the Bone and Joint Clinic at 5200 Hummingbird Road. The Cost for a physical is $25. $20 from each physical will be donated back to the athlete’s athletic department. For more information about Sport and Spine physical therapy visit them online at www.sportspinewi.com.

Click here to print a downloadable events flyer.

What Should I Tell My Physical Therapist?

June 7, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

If you have never been to a physical therapist before you may have some questions about your care and expectations. Here are some general questions and points about physical therapy you may want to talk about during your initial evaluation.

Talk about the pain you are experiencing.
Go into detail about what sort of activities you have trouble with and where the pain is coming from. The more details you can provide the more it will help your therapist develop a treatment plan.

How did your injury happen and/or when did your pain begin?
Did you have an injury or accident, or did the pain develop gradually over an extended period of time? Whether it’s sports, work or surgical post-op related your PT can guide you to recovery following an injury. As part of physical therapy, they can teach you exercises, stretches, and techniques using specialized equipment to address your pain.

What are your recovery goals?
If you have specific goals in relation to your recovery, let your therapist know. Do you want to be able to run a marathon, or is the goal to cook dinner and be able to reach up into your cabinets? Maybe your goal is to have enough strength to play with the grand kids. Your Physical Therapist needs this information when designing a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Whether you’re a professional athlete who’s suffered an injury or an orthopedic patient who needs assistance following surgery, your recovery starts with physical therapy.

Give your physical therapist you primary care provider’s information.
Good communication between your physical therapist and your primary care provider can help eliminate the need for unnecessary drugs/medications and provide great detail about your medical history. Your physical therapist can help clarify referral guidelines and the decision-making process as well.

Tell your physical therapist about any medications you are currently taking.
Different medications can cause adverse side effects due to physical activity and your physical therapist wants to make sure you are ready for physical therapy. Make sure you have a detailed list of your medications and be ready to discuss them at your evaluation.

Always tell your physical therapist your pain levels and how you feel your progress is going.
Physical Therapy is intended to make changes in your body. As physical therapists make changes to your tissues and mechanics, the stresses on your body will change, and may change where you feel the pain or symptoms. Be open with your physical therapist. If you have any questions about your treatment or want to go over any pain you are experiencing let your physical therapist know and they can go over it with you. Chances are what you are experiencing is completely normal and part of the healing process.

For more information about physical therapy programs and treatment techniques visit our About Physical Therapy section by clicking here.

Need to find a physical therapist? Visit our Find A PT Page

Baseball Video Throwing Analysis

May 3, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

Slow motion 2-D video throwing analysis for baseball players of all skill levels. The purpose of a baseball video throwing analysis is to break down the act of throwing to screen for abnormalities and deviations that may cause potential damage to the shoulder or elbow. Goals are injury prevention and optimizing performance by instructing players on the most efficient and effective mechanics of throwing. Includes evidence-based strengthening exercises and stretches from a certified strength & conditioning specialist. Provides player with proper arm care techniques, systematic warm-ups, cool-downs, throwing protocols, bullpen guidance and much more.

VIDEO ANALYSIS PROGRAMS TYPICALLY INCLUDE:
• Private Evaluation with a Physical Therapist
• Videography
• Biomechanical Analysis and Grading
• Recommendations on Areas for Improvement

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A VIDEO ANAYLSIS AS A PITCHER:
• Physical Therapy has proven to be immediately valuable in the rehabilitation of injuries and prevention of further damage to the shoulder or elbow
• Video analysis is the only technology available to view each phase of the throwing motion from all possible angles to screen and detect mechanical flaws that are causing injury
• Objective data obtained from the analysis is put through a rigorous grading process (The 8 Cylinders of Pitching) which determines the biomechanical efficiency of the throwing motion
• A structured rehabilitation and prevention program that incorporates the latest evidence-based interventions proven to be effective specifically to baseball players
• A baseball program will rehabilitate and optimize a player’s performance in a safe, scientifically sound manner and maintain good health through their careers.

PT News

April 12, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. The Rapid Recovery Blueprint
Written by the Therapy Team at Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Exercise tends to break down muscle fibers while rest allows muscles to recuperate and emerge stronger. The appropriate amount of exercise, followed by recovery leads to an ongoing cycle of improvement over time. Strength and endurance improve, creating a foundation for long-term health. Read more

2. Can We Get Stronger as We Age?
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy

The answer to that question is – absolutely! After age 40 or so, we all begin to lose muscle strength and bone density, and our hormone production slows. Read more

3. Overtraining Doesn’t Help, It Hurts
Written by the Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy

Working to achieve a sports or fitness goal can drive many people to overtrain in an effort to get stronger, better, faster. Our PT’s have seen many injuries related to overtraining. Read more

9 Steps to Prevent Overuse injuries

March 17, 2015 contentadmin - Blog, Sports and Fitness

One big problem with sports specialization at an early age is overuse injuries. These injuries are often subtle and occur over time. Micro-trauma from too much repetitive motion often shows up in elbows, knees, and shoulders.

Base conditioning and flexibility is key to prevention of overuse injuries
Listen to your body- Learn to take care of your body
Proper training and common sense
“No pain, no gain” is not the best slogan to go by
Start slowly and build up by 10% a week
Variety in training and exercise programs is one of the reasons that cross-training. Cross-fit and triathlons are some of the best and fastest-growing programs today.
A 52 week a year exercise program is unrealistic. Build rest cycles in your training. Many professional pitchers do not throw a baseball for one month a year
Use proper technique to avoid overuse injuries. Even a slight change in form may create an injury.
Anatomic and biomechanical factors cause some athletes to be more prone to overuse injuries. Why? Imbalances between strength and flexibility around certain joints are usually the cause.

We all want to be free to chase our dreams both in sport and in life. This pursuit is a multi-year race, not a quick sprint. If you are 10 years old or 60 years old, too much of a good thing too quickly is just too much. To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, Find a PT today!

More information on overuse injuries is in The Therapy Connection Newsletter for April 2015. You can sign up to receive our newsletter via email here.

Provided by: Chris Snoddy, MA, LAT, ATC, STAR Physical Therapy