One of the most common extracurricular activities for high school students is sports. From basketball and soccer, to track and volleyball, there are a variety of ways students can get involved and be active. However, in this crucial stage in development, it is helpful to have someone on staff that can help students practice their sport safely, or properly recover after an injury. Learn more about the top types of high school student injuries and how trainers and physical therapy in Cheyenne, WY will assist. 

 
Injuries in High School Sports
 

Being active is one of the best ways to stay in shape and healthy. In high school, students have a plethora of options to find an activity that is fun to keep them going. However, with frequent movements comes the risk for injury. Some of the most common injuries among students in sports include:
 
● Strains and sprains: After a quick impact, whether it is with a ball or other student player, strains and sprains can arise. A strain is when a muscle or tendon has torn. After this happens, the area may significantly swell and can become painful and difficult to move. A sprain is when a ligament tears. Ligaments are important as they connect the bones, making it painful when injured. A student may notice the area becoming swollen quickly, bruised, and very painful.
● Concussions: As one of the most common injuries in high school students, concussions must be taken seriously. This type of brain injury can happen when students run into each other or a ball or object comes into harsh contact. It is crucial administrators have the knowledge of concussion and reporting behaviors in high school athletes with or without access to an athletic trainer. Signs include dizziness, fogginess, confusion, slow responses, memory loss, headaches, fatigue, sleep issues, and other negative quality of life symptoms.
●Fractures: A common injury in student athletes are fracturing. It is imperative to work with a trainer to ensure the fracture properly repairs to avoid long-term damage.

 
Prevention

A go-to way to prevent sports injuries is working with a premier trainer. A trainer will work with an athlete on proper posture, form, and motion. When a student is equipped with the tools to do their best on the field, it will help them from making movements that will lead to injuries.
 

Treatment

If a student does sustain an injury, the doctor will make the initial diagnoses and methods of treatment. However, it can be difficult to ensure a student is doing all the instructed tasks for recovery. This is where athletic trainers will help. Their background in physical therapy will work one-on-one with a student to keep them on track. A trainer will also assist with the motions to help during the recovery process.
 
If your student does not have a trainer at their high school, North Platte Physical Therapy offers sports medicine services. Each of our local athletic trainers has the proper licensing and are board certified. You can count on our team to help your student be successful in sports. Contact us today to see how we can help!