Playing sports is great exercise. Unfortunately, playing sports also puts you at risk of injury, especially if you are a weekend warrior, or are just getting into shape. If you have suffered a sports injury, your osteopathic doctor can help you heal and regain function.
How Your Osteopathic Doctor Can Help You Heal From a Sports Injury
Let’s look at just a few of the ways an osteopathic doctor can help with a sports injury:
For a muscle strain, your osteopathic doctor may recommend:
- Applying ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain
- Taking over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Resting and taking weight off the injured area to allow it to heal
- Physical therapy to reduce stiffness and increase range of motion
For a tendon or ligament injury, your osteopathic doctor may recommend:
- Applying ice to the injured area to limit swelling and reduce pain
- Immobilizing the injured area with a cast, splint, or other device to facilitate healing
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgical therapy to repair or reattach torn ligaments and tendons
For a fractured or broken bone, your osteopathic doctor may recommend:
- Immobilizing the area with a cast, splint, or other device to allow the bone to heal
- Taking prescription anti-inflammatory or pain medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help you regain strength and full range of motion
- Surgical therapy to repair bones, tendons, and ligaments
Your osteopathic doctor is all about prevention and can discuss ways to prevent sports injuries. You should:
- Always wear the right footwear for the sport you are playing
- Always wear the appropriate protective gear for the sport you are playing
- Spend at least 15 minutes stretching before you begin playing your sport
- Start slowly, especially if you are new to the sport, or in poor physical condition
- Stay hydrated to keep from developing fatigue, which makes you more prone to injuries
Your osteopathic doctor can also help enhance your sports performance by providing guidance in proper nutrition, and developing an exercise routine to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Want To Know More?
To discover more about osteopathic treatment for sports injuries, talk with an expert. Call your osteopathic doctor today.