IMS Physical Therapy- Sports Injury FAQs

Sports injuries are frustrating to deal with. Not only does being injured prevent you from playing your favourite sports, but it can also negatively affect other areas of your life too. Simple tasks like walking, getting in and out of a car, or getting out of bed become much more difficult when you’re injured. What’s more, the healing process can be quite slow and can be laden with setbacks.

IMS physical therapy can help heal your muscle injuries more quickly by helping your muscles to loosen up. This article will seek to answer some of your more pressing sports injury-related questions. For more detailed answers or to find out if IMS physical therapy is right for you, give the professionals at Nordel Physiotherapy Clinic a call.

What are the most common sports-related injuries?

Unfortunately, the rough and tumble nature of many competitive sports makes injuries such as broken bones, muscle strains, and sprains the most common injuries that physical therapists help in the healing of. Other injuries may include bruises and other soft tissue damage, compressed or pinched nerves, and even swollen joints.

Should I see a chiropractor for a sport-related back injury?

A chiropractor can help relieve some back pain associated with sports. A spinal adjustment can help relieve the pressure felt by back muscles by making it easier for you to move. However, spinal discomfort may just be a symptom of an injury that has occurred elsewhere like your knees or shoulders.

If you decide to seek treatment from a chiropractor (or a physical therapist) provide as much information as you can about the injury as well as the events leading up to the onset of pain.

Read More: Your Sports Injury Treatment FAQs

What does IMS physical therapy do?

Intramuscular stimulation is a drug-free treatment option that helps loosen up tight muscles and helps the patient regain full range of motion. It is quite similar to acupuncture. A small needle is inserted into the muscle and is manipulated to get the muscle to twitch and then relax. A few treatments are usually needed to regain full range of motion and treatments done at regular intervals have more success. IMS is relatively pain-free, but some patients do report feeling some discomfort.

Will Ice Help with My Recovery?

Ice and heat can help reduce swelling and alleviate some of the pain at the onset of an injury. However, if pain and swelling persist longer than a day, then icing it longer won’t do much. At that point, it’s time to start looking at treatment options. Chiropractic care, IMS therapy, and physical therapy, preferably used in conjunction, are all helpful ways you can treat more severe injuries and get you moving again.

 Is One Treatment Enough?

Many injuries require more than one treatment. Failure to complete a treatment plan in its entirety can lead to re-injury or, in the worst case, lasting damage. It’s important to be patient with your body while it’s healing. Trying to rush the healing process will likely result in the injury taking even longer to heal.

 How Can I Prevent an Injury?

In the world of sports, some form of injury is almost inevitable. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of being injured as well as reduce the likelihood of a more severe injury. Proper warm-ups and stretching before any athletic event is the most important measure you can take. In addition, stretching and cooling down will make your muscles less likely to stiffen up. Drinking plenty of water and electrolytes during gameplay will help as well.