The downside of sports, much like any other exercise, is that injuries can and do occur. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner, your body is physically exerted over time. This can occur for any number of reasons, from incorrect stretching to straining already tired muscles. In these cases, it is always best to seek the medical assistance of a qualified sports physiotherapist who can effectively relieve your pain.

Sports injuries can result in two specific types: acute and chronic. Acute refers to incidents that suddenly happen with a “warning” and are almost instant. Chronic refers to pain that stems from repeated movements that add pressure and stress to the same group of muscles and tendons. As chronic implies, these injuries take longer to set in and result in slower healing.

With this in mind, here are five ways a sports physiotherapist can help you with pain.

Addresses Inflammation And Swelling

Inflammation and swelling are more than minor inconveniences; they can indicate a much more serious chronic injury. A sports physiotherapist can pinpoint the affected area and use several techniques to reduce pain in your muscles and joints.

We may also recommend after-therapy movements and encourage the use of heat or cold packs to help lessen your symptoms. Ignoring swelling can lead to you missing games and impacting your greater physical health in the long run.

Reduces Your Muscle Spasms

Depending on the nature of your injury, you can end up with excruciating muscle spasms. The frequency and intensity of these can be cause for concern. That is why you must seek attention from a sports physio immediately.

We use a series of manual therapy manoeuvres to massage out muscle spasms. It is crucial that restricted areas are released to allow for better circulation. Other techniques we may resort to include electrical stimulation and even temperature therapy (heat or cold).

Decreases Your Tissue Damage

Many make the mistake of underestimating the damage of their sports injury, which can increase the risk of further damage. But with regular sports physiotherapy, we can support your recovery and help you avoid life-long injuries. Using our training and skills, we can apply our techniques to treating your pain and assessing if any tissue damage has occurred.

Improves Your Strength

After suffering an acute injury, you may find yourself unsure of specific movements. Besides this contributing to a lower quality of life for yourself, you can avoid most physical activity as a result.

Not only will we relieve painful injuries with a comprehensive treatment plan, but we will also build up your strength and flexibility to get you back to moving as soon as possible. Sports physiotherapists are trained to assess how your body interacts with particular movements and can ensure you do not fall victim to injury again.

Increases Your Range of Motion

Similarly, you may struggle to increase your range of motion after an injury. We will work to reduce your pain and help you regain better control of your body and the way it moves. Our techniques include massage, specialised manoeuvres and specific exercises. It is essential that you follow our advice and expertise during this period, as it can assist in faster healing over time.

Only a professional sports physiotherapist can assess your pain and provide you with an adequate treatment plan. This informative article can help you understand sports injury pain in more detail and assist you in making an informed decision when it comes to your body. If you are in need of our expertise and care, schedule an appointment with Kings Park Sports Medicine Centre.