Austin, TX Sports Doctor
Physical therapy is used to treat individuals who have sustained injuries, as well as those who are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness, or are seeking to regain their physical form post-trauma. Physical therapy can help address these problems and get patients back to their everyday activities more quickly. Treatments are administered by a trained physical therapist. Sessions often take place a few times a week or weekly over the course of a few months.
Here are a few of the most common types of injuries that may require physical therapy.
Car Accident Injuries
Following a car accident, individuals can experience a wide variety of physical problems. These can manifest as stiffness, immobility, and chronic pain. It can be difficult to return to work and normal life when you are suffering. Physical therapy is often recommended following a wreck. A doctor can evaluate injuries in the emergency room or during a follow-up appointment. If physical therapy is advisable, you will be given a referral to a physical therapist.
Sport Injuries
Participating in sports is a great way to spend time with friends and to stay active and healthy. However, during most sports activities, the body is being put at risk. Injuries can take place and when they do, physical therapy can help. Some of the most common types of sports injuries requiring physical therapy include:
- Strained muscles
- Overextended tendons
- Joint injuries
Physical therapy is useful in helping athletes recover quickly so they can get back to their active lifestyles. However, as an experienced Austin, TX sports doctor – including those who work at Austin Physical Therapy – can confirm, athletes are often hesitant to embrace physical therapy. Instead, they opt to “play through the pain.” It is critically important to understand that playing through the pain can sideline you for a significant amount of time. It is far preferable to seek the care you need promptly so that you can get back into the game than it is to sit (seemingly) endlessly on the sideline, waiting to heal, once you finally seek the care that your body requires.
Slip and Fall Injuries
In a slip or fall, individuals can suffer from broken bones, pulled muscles, joint problems, and spinal issues. These types of injuries are especially difficult for older people. In many cases, painkillers are prescribed as an easy fix, but this can have long-term negative effects. Many prescription painkillers have harsh side effects as well as addictive properties. Physical therapy can serve as a more natural route to healing and pain management and/or as a companion to medication-based treatment.
Overuse and Misuse Injuries
There are many types of physical conditions that result from overusing or misusing part of the body. These types of problems may be diagnosed as the following:
- Bursitis – Overuse/misuse of the hips or knees
- Plantar Fasciitis – Overuse/misuse of the feet
- Tendinitis – Overuse/misuse of the ankles
Physical therapy can be helpful in restoring normal function to these parts of the body.
If you think you could benefit from physical therapy, speak with your doctor about a referral.