Understanding Why Physical Therapy for Sprains and Strains Can Help You Recover
Physical Therapy for Sprains and Strains for Long-Term Relief
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or simply enjoy staying active, sprains and strains are unfortunate but common injuries. They can happen unexpectedly, leaving you with pain, limited movement, and a disrupted routine. If you suspect a sprain or strain, physical therapy can play an important part in a safe and speedy recovery, as well as help you avoid future injuries. At Physical Therapy Plus we use proven techniques to help alleviate pain with physical therapy for sprains and strains, including offices in Canastota, Syracuse and Baldwinsville, NY.
Find Your Full Recovery With Physical Therapy
Although often used interchangeably, sprains and strains are distinctly different injuries. A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments, the strong bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint. Strains, on the other hand, involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons (which connect muscles to bone). Both injuries can range in severity from mild to severe, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Fortunately, physical therapy for sprains and strains is an effective way to recover and prevent the injury from happening again.
Sprains and strains can occur in various parts of the body.
Here are some of the most common injuries and their typical symptoms:
Ankle Sprains
Often caused by twisting or rolling the ankle, result in pain, swelling, potential bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the ankle.
Knee Sprains
These can involve ligaments such as the ACL or MCL. Symptoms include pain, instability, swelling, and sometimes a popping sensation at the moment of injury.
Wrist Sprains
Commonly caused by falls, wrist sprains lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist joint.
Shoulder Strains
Often caused by overuse or sudden force, shoulder strains result in pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
Hamstring Strains
A sudden pull or stretch can tear the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh, causing pain, bruising, and difficulty bending the knee.
Physical Therapy with Physical Therapy Plus
Our team in Canastota, Syracuse or Baldwinsville, NY can help you recover from an injury and teach you how to protect yourself from reinjury with physical therapy techniques that work.
- Prepare muscles for activity with comprehensive warm-up and cool-down routines
- Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises to keep muscles and joints working at peak performance.
- Gradual return to sports with activity modifications for safe movement and injury prevention.
If you’re suffering from a sprain or strain, contact us today at (315) 476-3176 to start your physical therapy program for recovery!