Physical Therapy for Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY
Let’s consider the difference between sprains and strains. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but your physical therapist knows the difference.
It starts with tendons and ligaments.
- Tendons connect your bones to your muscles with strong, fibrous tissues;
- Ligaments connect bone to bone in and around your joints with similar connective tissues.
A strain is when a tendon that attaches your muscle to a bone stretches too far or gets torn.
Spraining a ligament in a joint might be acute or chronic.
- An acute sprain is an immediate response to an injury – when you twist your ankle or wrench your shoulder;
- A chronic sprain develops over time with repetitive motions – like a sore wrist from typing all day.
Physical therapists are highly trained movement professionals. They help you recover from sprains or strains and help reduce the risk of future injury. Physical therapy is an efficient, proven way that provides quick relief and supports long-term healing. In many cases, physical therapy can eliminate the need for invasive surgery and harmful drugs.
Treating Sprains and Strains with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy treatment for a sprain or strain usually begins with immediate pain relief as the primary goal. Your physical therapist will develop a specific pain-relieving strategy for you that may include ice or heat therapy, hands-on manual therapy, stretching, ultrasound, or other therapies.
Then, the focus shifts to healing your injury, regaining your range of motion, or strengthening your muscles. Once the injury heals, the focus shifts again to the prevention of future injuries. Once you have strained a muscle or sprained a joint, you are far more likely to do it again. But physical therapy helps reduce the risk of always having “a trick knee” or “a weak ankle.”
Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment if you're suffering from a sprain or strain in Merrick and Amityville or schedule a free consultation to see if we're a good fit for your recovery!
