Playing sports provides numerous benefits to the body. But like any other vigorous activity, playing sports could also potentially to various types of injuries. In some cases, the injuries are caused by an unavoidable accident. At other times, it could be due to improper training. But whatever the cause of the injury, immediate assistance and therapy is required to fully heal and rehabilitate the injured area.
Types of Sports Injuries
There are several most common sports injuries that affect the muscular and skeletal systems of the body. The list includes muscles sprains and strains and inflammation. It also includes tendon injuries, as well as bone fracture and dislocation.
When an individual stretch or damages the ligament that connects the bones, it may cause a sprain to the area. On the other hand, a strain has occurred when a muscle or tendon is damaged. The injured area usually swells up and causes pain and spasms when this happens. Meanwhile, a fracture occurs when the bone gets broken. Aside from the pain and swelling, the area may look a little bit deformed in shape. The injured individual also has difficulty moving the body part. A bone dislocation may exhibit similar symptoms, but in this case, the affected bone has been moved out of position.
The cause of the injury varies from one person to another. Some injuries are caused by poor training practices and improper warm-up and stretching before a game. Ill-fitting or worn-out sports gear and equipment could also potentially cause some type of injury. For some sports novices, participating in a game when out of shape or ill-prepared could also lead to disastrous results.
Sports Medicine and Therapy
With the popularity of sports, a branch of medicine has been developed that is devoted mainly to the prevention, treatment, and therapy of various sports injuries. All over the country, there are specialists that are focused on this branch of medicine. Specialists in sports injury physical therapy Philadelphia PA can assist clients living in the area.
As a distinct branch, sports medicine and therapy focuses on the body’s musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other systems that are most vulnerable during sports. In the physical therapy arena, experts provide a range of rehabilitative and therapeutic methods to encourage the healing process of the body. These methods include aquatic and exercise therapy that are designed to encourage mobility. They also offer massage therapy methods to increase circulation and movement.
In some cases, those who play sports also seek physical therapy even without any sports-related condition or injury. These include professional athletes that follow a therapy regimen on a regular basis, these therapies help keep athletes at the top of their game always.
Playing sports could build one’s overall fitness and endurance. While sports provide numerous benefits, the individual should always take extra precautions when playing. Preventive measures should be implemented always to avoid injury. When an injury occurs while out on the field, immediate medical treatment and therapy should be applied to facilitate healing.
