Get Relief for Your Sports Injury and Get Back in the Game!
Thomas was an avid high school soccer player with dreams of making it to the college level. He trained hard and played even harder, but one misstep during a match changed everything. As he lunged for the ball, he felt a sharp pain in his ankle and crumpled to the ground. The diagnosis was quick but disheartening: an ankle sprain.
Fortunately, at Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our therapists are skilled at identifying and treating all types of sports injuries. Our therapists will conduct a whole-body assessment to ensure we identify all the factors that may impact recovery and design our programs tailored to the individual.
Give us a call today to learn more about our programs and set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists!
Identifying an Ankle Sprain
At first, Thomas didn’t know the severity of his injury. Like many, he thought he could just “walk it off.” However, the key signs were there:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. When Thomas landed awkwardly, he twisted his ankle in the process. Although ankle sprains are common in sports and often ignored, getting proper care is critical to quick recovery and reducing the risk of future injuries.
Unfortunately, too often, athletes don’t want to miss out on competing and “play through” injuries. Ankle sprains, in particular, are susceptible to recurrent sprains, especially when not properly rehabilitated.
The Road to Recovery
Thomas’s journey to recovery began with a visit to Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. He was evaluated by one of our skilled physical therapists and given guidance on how to recover quickly and get back into the game!
Initial Steps
Initially, Thomas’s therapy focused on reducing his pain, eliminating his swelling, and restoring his mobility. This involved:
M.I.C.E (Move, Ice, Compression, Elevation): This simple method is crucial in the early stages of an ankle sprain. Thomas learned to keep moving his ankle, apply ice to reduce pain, and use compression with elevation to reduce the swelling.
Building Strength, Stability, and Returning to the Game
Strengthening Exercises
Thomas worked on exercises to strengthen the muscles around his ankle. These included toe raises and resistance band exercises.
Balance Training
To regain stability, Thomas practiced balancing exercises. This was crucial to prevent future sprains.
Sport-Specific Drills
As he regained strength, sport-specific exercises were introduced to prepare him for returning to soccer.
Functional Training
The final phase of Thomas’s therapy centered on getting him back to his pre-injury level and back on the field. Thomas gradually returned to activities that mimicked soccer movements.
Through his recovery, Thomas also learned how to perform sport-specific warm-ups, the importance of sleep, and regular conditioning to prevent injuries.
Embrace The Recovery Blueprint and Get Back in Action!
Thomas’s story is a reminder of the importance of addressing sports injuries with the guidance from our team at Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. Take the first step in healing your ankle sprain and returning to the sport you love by calling today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Why Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is the Key to Full Recovery After a Sports Injury
When recovering from a sports injury, time is of the essence, and seeing a physical therapist as soon as possible can be the pivotal factor that leads to a complete and successful rehabilitation. While many may consider these injuries a mere inconvenience, they can have long-lasting consequences if not treated properly from the start.
Here’s some of the common problems with waiting to see one of our physical therapists after a sports injury:
Incomplete Healing
Ligaments and tissues may never regain their full strength and stability, leaving you vulnerable to further injuries. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more challenging it becomes to recover fully.
Poor Rehabilitation
Inadequate or improper rehabilitation is a common pitfall that leads to recurrent injuries. Without proper rehabilitation, you risk weakening the supporting structures, setting the stage for another injury.
Return to Activity Too Soon
One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is rushing back into physical activities or sports before a full recovery. It’s understandable to be eager to return to the game, but a premature return can lead to re-injury. Our physical therapists will guide you on when it’s safe to resume your activities, ensuring you don’t jeopardize your progress.
Savor a Pain-Free Soccer Season
As stadium lights illuminate the pitch and the spirit of soccer echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn’t get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you’re game-day-ready every time.
Effective Pain Relief
Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
Improve Mobility & Strength
Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
Enjoy Every Match Day
Tips to enjoy those pre-match tailgates and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.
Get Ready for Every Goal
Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint. Connect with Elevate Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine today, and let’s ensure you’re in prime shape for every goal this season!
Patient Success Spotlight
Helping our patients move better, feel stronger, and get back to the life they love.
“Best of the best. I have been working on an injury at Elevate Physical Therapy for about 10 weeks. Amie makes scheduling appointments quick and easy, technicians Payton and Izzy are a kind and welcoming start to each session, and my therapist Colton puts so much thought and care into each of my visits. I can’t recommend this team enough.”
Mediterranean Chickpea Power Bowl
High Fiber • Plant-Based Protein • Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over each bowl.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Toss gently before serving, or refrigerate for an easy make-ahead lunch or dinner.