6 Signs You Need a Physical Therapist

An athlete’s worst fear; you’re in the middle of training when you feel a nagging pain that just won’t quit. With a little rest and relaxation, you could be back to working out in no time. But what if your injury is a little bit more complex? Maybe it’s time to consider the benefits of physical therapy to treat your injury…

Sports Therapy at the Central Orthopedic Group

Physical Therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that focuses on the treatment, prevention and management of disorders that are associated with mobility and physical function. Here at the Central Orthopedic Group, our highly trained physical therapists will help athletes who are suffering from a sports related injury. Our sports therapy doctors, such as Dr. Jordan Kerker, will be able to diagnose and prevent acute and chronic medical conditions by utilizing a variety of techniques to help you achieve flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination.

6 Signs you Need a PT for your Sports Injury

1-Lingering Dull Pain
If you have taken several days of rest following an injury and your pain continues, it might be time to visit a PT. Dull and lingering pain can be a warning sign of chronic pain conditions that could worsen over time. Your physical therapist will be able to diagnose your pain at its source, and work with you to prevent any future problems.

2- Sharp Pain
If you are feeling sharp, acute pains during your workout, this could be an indication of a more serious injury like a pulled muscle or a stress fracture. Acute injuries that are caught early can be treated quickly with an individualized physical therapy program, which helps to avoid the need for complicated medical procedures or even surgery.

3- Medications Don’t Help
Many athletes are accustomed to minor aches and pains. However, if over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain relief drugs aren’t offering you any relief, it might be time to consult with your physical therapist.

4- Visible Changes
If you observe swelling or other changes to your joints or other parts of the body, especially after a training session, you should contact a physical therapist as soon as possible. You could be making an underlying injury even worse.

5- Repetitive Use Conditions
Repetitive use conditions like tennis elbow or carpal tunnel can cause you chronic pain and severely limit your range of motion. Physical Therapists will be able to help identify the activities that are triggering your pain, and can design in-office and at-home exercises to strengthen your muscles and minimize the chances for your pain to return.

6- Traumatic Event
Some injuries, like broken bones or an ACL tear, are easy to diagnose. After a traumatic injury, your body needs time to heal and recover. Physical Therapy can help your body to prepare for surgery, and improve outcomes by reducing healing time. Physical Therapy is a great post-surgical option, as it will improve physical conditions and help you reach your rehabilitation goals in a safe and healthy way.