Sports Injuries Physiotherapy Edmonton, AB

Sports injuries are extremely common and can happen to athletes of all levels. From weekend warriors to professional athletes, injuries can sideline you from your favorite activities and exercise. Getting the right treatment is key to recovering quickly and fully from any type of sports injury.

At Turning Point Physical Therapy in Edmonton, AB, our sports physiotherapists have extensive experience treating all types of sports injuries. We help athletes of all ages and activity levels recover and return to their sports as safely as possible.

Common Sports Injuries We Treat

Athletes are vulnerable to a wide variety of injuries depending on their sport, position, training regimen, and individual biomechanics. Here are some of the most frequent sports injuries we treat at our clinic:

Sprains and Strains

Sprains involve injury to ligaments that connect bone to bone, while strains affect tendons that connect muscle to bone. They range in severity from microtears of just a few fibers to complete ruptures.

• Ankle sprains - The ankle joint is very vulnerable to lateral sprains, which damage the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This is one of the most common sports injuries across all sports.
• Knee sprains - The four major ligaments of the knee joint are commonly sprained, especially the MCL (inside of the knee) and ACL (center of the knee). Pivoting sports like soccer, football, and basketball put the knee ligaments at risk.
• Shoulder instability - Repeated shoulder sprains can lead to chronic ligamentous laxity, causing ongoing dislocations, subluxations, and feelings of instability. Overhead sports like volleyball, swimming, and tennis predispose the shoulder joint to injury.
• Hamstring strain - The hamstrings are especially prone to strain injuries during activities involving sprinting and jumping due to their role in hip extension. Sports like track, soccer, and football commonly see hamstring strains.
• Groin strains - Muscles of the inner thigh and hip flexors are at risk for strain injuries. Sports involving kicking, skating, side-to-side movement, and abrupt direction changes see a high incidence of groin strains.
• Back muscle strains - Sports with repetitive flexion/extension and rotation of the spine put paravertebral muscles of the back at risk for acute or chronic strain injuries. Examples include rowing, golf, tennis, and wrestling.

Fractures

Direct trauma, like collisions as well as accumulated stress from repetitive impact, can cause fractures in athletes. Common fracture sites we treat include:

• Stress fractures - Accumulated microtrauma causes tiny cracks in weight-bearing bones. Common in runners and gymnasts. Sites include shin, ankle, foot, hip, and pelvis.
• Hand fractures - Sports involving hitting, like baseball, hockey, and martial arts, commonly lead to fractures of the small bones in the hand.
• Clavicle fractures - The clavicle or collarbone is one of the most frequently fractured bones in sports like hockey, football, rugby, and mountain biking.

Vertebral fractures - Repetitive loading sports like gymnastics and cheerleading create a risk for spinal compression fractures.

Tendon Injuries

Tendons connect muscle to bone. Their role in transmitting force makes them vulnerable to painful overuse injuries in areas like the:

• Rotator cuff - Shoulder impingement and tendinitis are common in overhead athletes like baseball pitchers, swimmers, and volleyball players.
• Patellar and quadriceps tendon - Jumper's knee (patellar tendinitis) is common in sports with frequent jumping, like volleyball and basketball.
• Achilles tendon - Sports involving sprinting and jumping put the Achilles at risk for tendinitis and tears.
• Wrist and elbow - Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are frequent with repetitive wrist motions and gripping.

Muscle Strains

During explosive movements like sprinting, muscles are at risk for partial or complete tears, including:

• Hamstrings - Sprinting sports see a high incidence of hamstring muscle strains and tears.
• Quadriceps - The large quads muscle group is vulnerable to strains, especially where it attaches above the knee.
• Calf - Sports like tennis that involve explosive starts and stops can lead to gastrocnemius strains.
• Obliques and core - Rotational and asymmetric sports like golf, hockey, and baseball lead to oblique and abdominal muscle tears.

Sports Injuries Physiotherapy Edmonton, AB Treatments

At Turning Point Physical Therapy, we create customized treatment programs tailored to each athlete's unique injury and sport. Our experienced sports physiotherapists utilize a variety of the most advanced, evidence-based techniques to restore function.

Hands-On Manual Therapy

Manual therapy performed by our physiotherapists includes hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue massage. 

These techniques help restore a normal range of motion, decrease muscular tightness, reduce scar tissue, and alleviate pain. Targeted sports injury physiotherapy Edmonton, AB, makes motion and activity easier and less painful.

Customized Therapeutic Exercises

Additionally, we prescribe tailored stretching, strengthening, stability, balance, and agility exercises based on your needs. 

These active therapies are designed to retrain proper movement patterns, strengthen weakened muscles, increase control and coordination, and regain power. Our goal is to re-establish normal biomechanics and motor control.

Dry Needling

We also utilize dry needling to stimulate tight muscular trigger points and knots associated with pain and dysfunction. The fine needles relax the contracted areas and improve flexibility and function. This technique reduces persistent myofascial pain.

Protective Athletic Taping

Moreover, we apply protective athletic tape to support and stabilize vulnerable joints. Custom taping of areas like the ankle, knee, elbow, and shoulder can allow a safer return to activity during recovery. Taping helps prevent further injury.

Movement and Biomechanics Analysis

We also perform in-depth movement and gait analysis to identify biomechanical deficits contributing to injury. 

By assessing posture, walking, running, and sport-specific patterns, we can design targeted therapies to correct faulty movements. Restoring proper alignment and mechanics helps prevent future injuries.

Advanced Concussion Management

Additionally, we provide advanced concussion management utilizing objective testing to properly diagnose and treat head injuries.

We closely coordinate care with doctors while providing physical and cognitive therapies to aid recovery. Our goal is a safe return to school, work, and sports.

Return to Sport Training

We also simulate sport-specific movements and scenarios to ensure athletes can confidently return to their activities. By replicating the motions and demands of your sport in controlled settings, we progress rehabilitation and confirm readiness to get back into the game fully.

Our comprehensive programs aim to restore full function and performance. We collaborate closely with your healthcare team for integrated care from injury to beyond recovery.

How Are We Different?

What makes us unique at Turning Point Physical Therapy is our sports-focused, client-centered approach. A few key things that set us apart:

Experienced Sports Physiotherapists

Firstly, all of our physiotherapists have advanced certifications and extensive experience treating high-level athletes across various sports. 

We are routinely the therapist of choice for local sports teams as well as individual athletes seeking customized recovery programs. Our in-depth knowledge of athletic injuries and demands allows us to get you back to your sport quickly and safely.

Customized Programs Tailored to You

Additionally, we create personalized treatment and rehabilitation programs tailored to your unique injury, sports requirements, and individual goals. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach at our clinic. We take the time to understand your specific needs and challenges in order to deliver the optimal combination of therapies and corrective exercises for you.

Evidence-Based Techniques

Moreover, our sports physiotherapists utilize the latest evidence-based techniques proven most effective through research. 

We stay up-to-date on innovative new modalities and technologies as well as proven gold-standard treatments. You can trust our methods are supported by science to deliver results.

One-on-One Care

We also emphasize one-on-one care during your treatment sessions. You will receive your physiotherapist's undivided attention, with no double booking of patients. 

This allows us to thoroughly assess your condition, continuously monitor your response to treatment, and modify your program as needed. Our focused approach achieves better outcomes.

Ongoing Education and Prevention

Additionally, we provide extensive education, preventative strategies, and self-management tools so you can continue your recovery and remain strong even when you are not in the clinic. 

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills to help prevent future injuries and maintain your progress long-term.

Multi-Disciplinary Sports Medicine Team

Furthermore, our sports physiotherapists collaborate closely with your other healthcare providers like sports medicine doctors, athletic therapists, massage therapists, trainers, and coaches. 

We communicate regularly to provide integrated, seamless care - from initial diagnosis through each stage of rehabilitation until you fully return to your activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions we receive about sports injuries physiotherapy:

What Is Sports Injury Physiotherapy?

Sports physiotherapy involves specialized physical therapy care and rehabilitation for injuries resulting from athletic activities. The focus is on safely restoring mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and function following injury to allow a return to sport participation.

Does Physical Therapy Work For Old Sports Injuries?

Yes, it's never too late to address old sports injuries. Even if your injury occurred years ago, Sports Physiotherapy Edmonton, AB, can still help improve lingering symptoms like pain, stiffness, weakness, and swelling. However, the right mix of hands-on treatment and corrective exercise can optimize function.

What Happens If You Don’t Do Physical Therapy After An Sports Injury?

Not getting physiotherapy after a sports injury can prolong pain and dysfunction. You may compensate in ways that cause secondary injuries. 

Not regaining strength, flexibility, and stability also increases your risk of re-injury once you return to activities. Edmonton Sports Physiotherapy helps you fully recover and continue performing your best.