Back to School Sports Safety and Using a Physical Therapist in Casper, WY to Overcome Injuries

September 21, 2016

With a new school year comes school sports! Participating in a sport is a great way to keep children active and involved. It pushes them in ways they didn’t know were possible and will help them find different activities they like. Whether your student is new to sports or has been playing a certain sport for years, the new school year is a great time to review safety tips. By being mindful, you can try to avoid injuries. However, if they happen, they can always work with a go-to local physical therapist in Casper, WY for a speedy recovery.
 

1. The Basics: When playing sports, it is important for athletes to stretch. This helps to make the child more flexible and less prone to injury. This should be done anytime before a workout, whether just for practice or before a game. Next, they should work side-by-side with their coaches to learn proper techniques. No matter what sport is played, there are ways to turn, jump and move that can lead to injury. It is best to learn what not to do and always play in proper form. Next, students should always wear the proper gear. Each sport is different any many sports programs will provide this gear. If they don’t, find a nearby store that sells new or quality used sportswear. This will ensure the child is safe while playing sports! Last, take breaks! In general, athletes should work in a day of rest from the sport to allow the muscles to recover. This definitely does not mean the athlete can’t be active. Just be cautious and don’t work on as extraneous activities.
2. Types of Injuries: Even if you follow all of the basic rules of sports, injuries can still happen. According to the Teen’s Health article “Dealing with Sports Injuries,” injuries can occur due to an acute trauma or by overuse. They explain acute trauma happens after a swift blow or force. Over time, overuse injuries can occur. Especially in repetitive types of activities. They advise to call a doctor if an injury is painful and worse when active, the area is swollen, range of motion is limited and if the pain gets worse. It is especially important to see a doctor if the pain worsens as time goes on. Let the student know not to try to fight through the pain as it can lead to a bigger issue down the road.
3. Physical Therapy: Post-injury, a physical therapist may be recommended by a doctor. This will allow the athlete to get back into playing shape and avoid a long-term injury! They know specific techniques to bring full range of motion in the injured area. Plus, they will help the athlete learn techniques to do on their own to help get the area back to normal.

When it comes to finding a premier physical therapist in Casper, WY, North Platte Physical Therapy can help! We provide student athletes with a variety of services from athletic training to treatments for the various top injury types and beyond. Learn more about our sports medicine services for injury prevention or post-injury support. Find an office close to you today!