Our main goal is to help you play better and prevent common sports injuries.
At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center our Sports Performance Program was developed to help our local Loudoun and Fairfax County athletes improve their game and avoid physical therapy. Yes, you read that correctly; a physical therapy clinic wants you to avoid needing physical therapy!
Have you or someone you love experienced one of these issues?
- Suffered a prior sports-related injury?
- Previously had an injury of any kind?
- Had pain during training or workouts?
- Recently started a new sport season (or will be soon)?
- Training for a new sport / competition?
- Known someone who had a season ending injury?
Recognizing causes of sports injuries:
Injury occurs when one of two factors are present:
TRAUMA: Acute trauma is an injury that occurs due to force from a collision, fall, sudden change of direction or tackle. Usually this type of injury is easy to identify because we know exactly when and how the injury occurs. There is immediate sharp pain, swelling and you’re typically unable to use the injured site. Trauma injuries also frequently lead to a trip to the Emergency Room. Some examples of an acute trauma would be a severe strain, spain (ligament tear – like the ACL), or a fracture. While not all sports are contact sports, direct trauma is a significant possibility in any sport.
REPETITIVE ACTIONS (overuse injuries): Most sport and athletic competition involves repetitive movements. Baseball, dance, soccer, marathons, tennis, football, and many more, all involve some form of repetitive movement. Whether you’re throwing a baseball or running 26 miles, controlling the effects of repetitious movement and impact will significantly decrease your risk of injury.
Overuse injuries are more difficult to identify and they usually worsen before an athlete seeks treatment. The main complaint is a deep aching pain in the joint and its surrounding tissues. Because there was no immediate cause of injury, athletes tend to “brush it off “ as muscle soreness and continue activity, leading to repeated stress of the joint and its surrounding tissues. If the initial complaint isn’t addressed early enough, the athlete’s likelihood of additional injury increases. Some examples of overuse injuries include: tendonitis, shin splints, muscle strains, and bursitis.
Overuse injuries usually occur due to:
- Muscle weakness and / or imbalance
- An abrupt increase in training intensity
- Repeatedly doing the same exercise
- Lack of proper form and technique
For young athletes an injury means time away from their sport or activity of choice – potentially spending weeks resting or sitting on the sidelines instead of being in the game. This process can be sad, frustrating, overwhelming and make them feel secluded from the sport that they love. Yes we treat physical injuries, but we also care about understanding you and assisting you through the emotions that come with being unable to participate.
For adults, exercise is a vital part of life needed in order to maintain or improve your overall health. You don’t have to be a competitive athlete to suffer a sports injury. In fact, individuals who have just started exercising or do it on a recreational level are most susceptible to sports injuries. Also known as your typical weekend warrior.
This occurs due to:
- Starting an intense exercise program too abruptly
- Increasing your level of exercise too quickly.
- Not progressively overloading
Studies show that athletes who have been assessed prior to the start of each season and who have trained appropriately prior to and during the season are 75% less likely to be injured or experience pain during their season / competition. This is primarily because their joints, muscles, and ligaments are better able to produce and absorb the repetitive actions or the impact when trauma does occur.
Interested in a custom Sports Performance Program developed for you or your athlete?
Call us today at 703-450-4300 and schedule your session with one of our Certified Athletic Trainers and Therapists.
Are you a coach or team manager? Are you interested in having a sports performance program developed for your team?
Our ATCs will develop a personalized program for your team and assist you in implementing it. Call today to find out more.
Loudoun Sports Therapy Center – physical therapy for Loudoun and Fairfax County residents. We help you LIVE LIFE PAIN FREE with Physical Therapy and much, much more…