Why San Ramon Athletes Rely on Physical Therapy for Peak Performance

Sports injuries are the bane of every athlete, no matter how excellent they are at the sport. However, all athletes don’t suffer constant injuries due to several possible factors. One of such factors is sports therapy in San Ramon, CA. Why do San Ramon Athletes rely on physical therapy for peak performance? It’s because physical therapy in San Ramon prevents and treats sports injuries. It also enhances recovery after sports injuries. How? Let’s see.

What is Sports Physical Therapy?

Sports therapy in San Ramon is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries that occur in sports. The key distinction here is "injuries that occur in sports." Now, that may seem like a no-brainer since therapists treat injuries that people have in the various sports that they play. But understanding what it is that makes a certain activity a "sport" is crucial to knowing how to treat the injuries that occur when people engage in those activities.

What Type of Injuries Do Athletes Commonly Have? 

Sports injuries are either acute or chronic, and this depends on how long they take to develop and heal.  Acute sports occur suddenly and cause severe pain and discomfort. However, acute injuries are typically easier to treat and have shorter recovery periods. The same cannot be said for chronic sports injuries that develop over time due to wear and tear from repetitive motion or overuse. Chronic injuries are the more common type of sports injury and they take longer to heal. They also tend to recur and persist despite treatment.

Whether acute or chronic, common sports injuries that sports physiotherapy can address include strains and sprains, dislocations, tendon tears, ligament tears, and fractures. Let’s discuss a few.

A strain occurs when a tendon is damaged from a twist, pull, or tear due to repetitive motion or overexertion. On the other hand, a sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligament (bands of tissues that connect the bones and other organs). Athletes may commonly develop a sprain in their ankles, wrists, or knees due to trauma or excessive force. 

A dislocation is an abnormal separation of a bone from its place in a joint. A joint holds two or more bones together, allowing movement and other physical functions. However, falls, direct blows to the joints, and other forceful actions can cause a bone to slip out of its natural position. Dislocations are very painful and may cause swelling, discoloration, numbness, and a tingling sensation. You may also experience limited mobility and physical function.

A ligament is a band of tissue made of collagen and elastic fibers that connect the bones, joints, and other organs to enable range of motion, mobility, and physical function. However, these ligaments are susceptible to tears due to twists and overextension during athletic activities. Athletes may commonly tear their anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament tears. These ligament tears occur when the knee is twisted or overextended from a sudden change of direction or wrong landing. 

The Achilles tendon is a fibrous connective tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone at the back of the leg. You use it to walk, run, jump, and perform other activities with your feet. However, when overused, the Achilles tendon may stretch, tear, or become irritated, causing severe pain and discomfort in a condition known as Achilles Tendinitis.

Other sports injuries that sports therapy can treat include shin splints, bone fractures, bursitis, tendinitis, tennis elbow, etc. 

How Does Physical Therapy in San Ramon Prevent Sports Injuries? 

One of the principal aims of sports physical therapy is to prevent injuries from happening. Sports physical therapists work with the athletic population and help improve performance.

Sports physical therapists are also trained to analyze biomechanics, study human movement, and identify potential injury risk factors. 

These therapists also create an exercise regimen that can help build up weak muscles and maintain their strength. They can also teach stretching routines that can help in warm-ups and cooling down after sports.

How Does Athlete Therapy in San Ramon Treat Sports Injuries? 

In conjunction with other health professionals, physical therapists treat sports injuries. Some common techniques that sports therapists may employ during sports injury treatment may include:

• Manual therapy (Joint mobilization, soft tissue and deep tissue massage, dry needling, etc).
• Exercise therapy
• Electrotherapy (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, etc).

What Is Sports Rehabilitation?

Sports rehabilitation is a treatment process that helps an injured player safely return to practice. This treatment program is suitable for both professional and non-professional athletes. Sports rehabilitation is essential because the excessive wear and tear associated with sports can cause injuries over time. Here’s what the typical process of rehabilitation looks like:

Stage 1 - Rest

During the first stage, your physical therapist will recommend prioritizing your rest. This will help your body recover from the shock of the injury and allow it to heal.

Stage 2 - Mobility and Movement

The second stage of your treatment focuses on your mobility and movement. Our physical therapists will recommend exercises that increase your flexibility and range of motion. These exercises may be active or passive, depending on your strength levels and the severity of your injury.

Stage 3 - Strength and Endurance

After improving your range of motion, the next focus is strength. During this stage, your physical therapist will recommend exercises to strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance.

Stage 4 - Balance and Coordination

Regaining balance and coordination is also essential in sports rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will recommend exercises that can improve the connection between your mind and muscles and also improve your motor abilities.

Stage 5 - Return to Sports

This stage of treatment involves perfecting sports-specific tactics. Our physical therapists will work with you to maximize your regained strength, mobility, and coordination. You will also learn the right techniques for exercising and performing sports-specific movements to reduce the risk of re-injury. 

Conclusion

Physical therapy for runners and other San Ramon athletes is key in preventing and treating sports injuries and that’s why they rely on it for peak performance. Visit us today at Ironhorse Physical Therapy & Pilates if you have any concerns.