How Physical Therapy Can Help Metairie, LA Athletes Overcome Sports Injuries

Athletes never plan on getting injured, but it's a harsh reality that often comes with the territory.

Some injuries, like shin splints and contusions, are minor and require little-to-no rehabilitation. With a little rest, ice, compression and elevation, you can be back to doing the things you love most in no time at all. 

But not all injuries are that kind to the body. 

And some sports injuries are worse than others. 

Take Derek Carr, for example. As many in the Metairie, LA community know, the 34-year-old New Orleans Saints quarterback was recently forced to retire due to a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff injury. 

It’s the latest of a string of injuries that have derailed the once-promising quarterback’s future. 

Unfortunately, stories like his are far too common today.

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is another local sports legend that has seen his career derailed due to a long list of injuries to his foot, knee, ankle, hamstring and, most recently, his lower back. 

Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, Chris Olave, Trey Murphy, Taysom Hill — the list goes on.

At FunXional PT, our goal is to help Metairie athletes like yourself not only recover from sports injuries, but prevent them from re-occurring in the future and avoid new injuries from taking you out of your prime.  

With physical therapy and a few lifestyle changes, we can accomplish that goal together. 

Injury Report: What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries can affect any part of the body, but the knee is often the most common area at risk. 

In fact, the shoulder, foot and ankle, hip and head round out the top-five most commonly-injured areas for athletes today, according to Justin Ernat, MD, a sports medicine surgeon at University of Utah Health. 

With that said, the most common sports injuries often vary by season and sport. 

Shoulder injuries tend to rise during the warmer months of the year due to the increase in mountain bike use, while knee and leg injuries often rise in the winter thanks to skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. 

Baseball sees a lot of shoulder and elbow injuries, basketball players are more at risk of ankle sprains and jammed fingers, and football sees an increase in concussions, hamstring injuries and bone fractures. 

All in all, let’s take a look at some of the most common sports injuries reported today: 

• Sprains and strains
• Shin splints
• Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, etc.)
• Concussions
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Bone fractures
• Muscle contusions and bruises
• Tendinitis
• Dislocations

These injuries can happen at any time — and often occur with little-to-no warning. But with the right support system and recovery plan, you can find yourself returning to peak form sooner rather than later.

Physical Therapy: When the RICE Method Proves Insufficient

The RICE method is one of the most effective ways of treating minor sports injuries. 

RICE, of course, is an acronym for rest (limit activity and use), ice (for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours), compression (using a bandage, wrap or sleeve) and elevation (raise injured area above the heart). 

But not all injuries can be cured with the RICE method — and some athletes may even require surgery. 

Either way, all athletes will need to undergo physical therapy at some point during the recovery process, as it’s often the best way to ease your body back into shape and reduces the risk of re-injury in the future.

With that said, here are some of the most prominent benefits of physical therapy for sports injuries: 

• Pain reduction and management without reliance on medications
• Accelerated healing and recovery time
• Restoration of normal range of motion and flexibility
• Prevention of long-term or chronic injury complications
• Improved muscle strength and stability around injured areas
• Sport-specific rehabilitation to enhance performance upon return
• Education on proper body mechanics to prevent re-injury
• Non-invasive alternative that may help avoid surgery in some cases
• Correction of movement imbalances and biomechanical issues
• Gradual and safe progression back to full athletic participation
• Mental confidence building during the return-to-sport transition

Physical therapy will look a little different for everyone, but the goal is always the same: getting you back in the game and making sure you can perform at your best without any lingering pain, fear of setbacks. 

Athletic Longevity: Our Best Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries

With the proper precautions, most sports injuries can be prevented. 

After all, most sports injuries are a direct result of inadequate equipment, improper training and technique, poor conditioning, bad lifestyle and/or nutritional habits and a lack of understanding of one’s own body. 

Understanding these risks goes a long way in maintaining an injury-free life — but it’s only half the battle. 

The other half of the battle is applying what you learn and making the necessary adjustments in your day-to-day life and training regimen to ensure you’re putting your body in the best position to succeed. 

With that said, here are some of our best injury prevention tips for athletes in Metairie, LA: 

• Implement a proper warm-up routine with dynamic stretching before activity
• Maintain a consistent strength training program focused on core stability
• Gradually increase training intensity (follow the 10% rule for weekly increases)
• Schedule regular rest days to allow for adequate recovery
• Stay properly hydrated before, during, and after exercise
• Focus on proper technique and form in all movements
• Wear appropriate, well-fitted gear and footwear for your sport
• Listen to your body and don't ignore early warning signs of injury
• Follow a nutrition plan that supports recovery and tissue repair
• Get adequate sleep to optimize healing and performance
• Develop sport-specific flexibility targeting commonly tight areas

They often say that prevention is the best medicine — and athletes are no exception. Whether you’ve recently suffered an injury, are recovering from an injury or are trying to prevent an injury, we can help. 

FunXional PT: Your Comeback Is Right Around the Corner

Are you looking to have the type of comeback Drew Brees had in 2006 when he joined the New Orleans Saints following what was supposed to be a career-altering injury with the San Diego Chargers in 2005? 

If so, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to FunXional PT. 

We take great pride in supporting Metairie, LA athletes throughout the recovery process — from our very first consultation to your return to sport and beyond. It’s what we strive for and it’s what we believe in. 

To start your recovery journey with FunXional PT, contact our office at (504) 517-4594 or book a free consultation with one of our trusted physical therapists. We’re located near the Clearview City Center. 

We look forward to meeting you soon!