ORTHOKnox orthopedic clinic has a dedicated team of physical therapists that are available to help you with sports injury prevention, sports injury rehabilitation, and even answer your sports medicine questions! Our physical therapists are on-site, allowing you convenient access to their sports medicine experience. They can work with you to develop sports-specific programs to decrease your risk of injury or help you return to your sport as soon as possible after you have sustained an injury.
Michael Hoag, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS, MTC who has provided physical therapy care in Knoxville, TN, for more than 20 years, has answered some of your most common sports medicine questions below. Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out to our team! And meet the rest of our experienced physical therapist team here!
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How do I know if I am at risk of sustaining a sports injury?
“Sports injuries cannot be completely avoided. Even if you do everything right, an unfortunate event can occur. However, people with muscle strength imbalances, poor flexibility, or poor endurance are at greater risks for sustaining a sports-related injury.”
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Is there anything I can do to prevent sports injuries?
“Athletes should condition their muscles prior to participating in a sport. If you were new to running, you would not start by running a marathon. The same holds true for other sports; if you are inactive for a period of weeks or months, it would not be wise to join a basketball league and start playing without working on your cardiovascular endurance, agility, flexibility, and strength prior to the start of the league.”
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Can the physical therapists at ORTHOKnox help with injury prevention?
“The physical therapists at ORTHOKnox can help with injury prevention by specifically evaluating for muscle weaknesses, poor flexibility, and poor movement strategies. Many of the screening tools used are sport-specific. Once limitations are discerned, then our team of physical therapists can develop a specific program for you. This may or may not be covered by your insurance based on individual circumstances.”
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Is it beneficial to warm-up and cool-down before and after sports?
“Absolutely. Warming up can greatly decrease risk of injury during activity and cooling down will help with muscle recovery.”
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Should I stretch before playing sports?
“Aggressive stretching before playing sports should be avoided. Light stretching is preferred and should be incorporated into the warm-up. Warming the muscles can make them more flexible, thereby decreasing the risk of over-stretching/straining a muscle. If you have a particularly tight muscle, it is best not to perform prolonged specific stretching immediately prior to sport participation.”
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What should I do if I feel pain or suspect an injury?
“This depends on the severity of the concern. First, discontinue your activity unless a medical professional assesses you and clears you to continue. If severe, seek immediate medical attention. If less concerning, ice the area and elevate the injury above the heart level if feasible (such as lying on your back with your ankle elevated on pillows). Many minor injuries will heal with some rest, but if pain persists more than a few days, it will be best to get your injury evaluated by a physical therapist or another medical professional.”
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What types of sports injuries do you treat at ORTHOKnox?
“ORTHOKnox treats the vast majority of sports injuries, and our physical therapists have provided on-site sports coverage for many sports including football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, and gymnastics. We have also worked with numerous baseball players, skaters, and dancer athletes over the years in the clinic as well.”
Comprehensive Sports Injury Treatment in Knoxville and Athens, TN
When it comes to sports medicine care in Knoxville and Athens, Tennessee, ORTHOKnox has got you covered. With its on-site physical therapists, board-certified surgeon, and dedicated physician assistants, you can rest easy knowing you and your family are receiving the best orthopedic treatment and physical therapy.
Come see us in our Knoxville and Athens orthopedic clinics and call us anytime with questions at (865) 251-3030!
