No matter your skill level or preferred sport of choice, risk of injury is an accepted aspect of play. So it becomes a question of when, not if, you will be injured in El Paso, Texas and may need the services of a sports therapist. The Remcon office of Border Therapy Services explains how a sports therapist can help you get back in the game more quickly in the El Paso, Texas area.
The most common sports injury
The most likely injury you will suffer in almost any sport is a rolled or sprained ankle. Sports with quick changes in movement speed or lateral steps have increased risk of turning an ankle. Basketball, tennis and football players have to be especially careful in their movements, but a runner can take a bad step just as easily and end up spraining an ankle.
Fortunately, most minor sprains can be treated under the RICE protocol of rest, ice, compression and elevation. If that’s the case then, how exactly would a sports therapist treat it differently?
How a sports therapist can help
When evaluating an ankle, or any sports injury, the physical therapist is checking for structural damage. Ligament damage is a major concern if the ankle is severely sprained. Even a minor sprain can stretch these ligaments causing instability and risk of future injury.
The goal when treating a sprained ankle is to strengthen the surrounding muscles and increase the stability in the joint. This will speed up your recovery time and decrease your chance of injuring the joint again. There are several techniques the physical therapists of Border Therapy Services in El Paso, Texas may use to treat your sports injury including:
- Electrical stimulation to increase blood flow
- Cryotherapy to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Strength and stability building exercises
- Aquatic therapy for patients who may have difficulty bearing weight on the ankle
If you are unable to bear any weight on the ankle or you notice visible deformity, seek immediate medical attention.
Scheduling sports therapy in El Paso, TX
Border Therapy Services in El Paso, Texas treats all kinds of sports injury for patients of all ages and ability. Contact our Remcon location today to set up your initial appointment.