Physical Therapy for Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY
Your ankle, foot, wrist, leg, or back are prone to strains and sprains. If you sustain any of these injuries, you may have tenderness, pain, and weakness in the area. This injury also affects your quality of life. You may be unable to perform your usual activities.
Fortunately, you can treat these injuries and regain mobility with physical therapy. Summit Physical Therapy offers services that can help you heal faster and prevent a recurrence of your injury.
What are Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY?
Before discussing their treatment, let’s first consider the difference between sprains and strains. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but your physical therapist knows the difference.
First of all, consider your tendons and ligaments. Your tendons connect your bones to your muscles through strong, fibrous tissues. Your 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. On the other hand, a sprain occurs in your ligaments, and it might be acute or chronic.
An acute sprain is an immediate response to an injury. For instance, when you twist your ankle or wrench your shoulder. A chronic sprain develops over time with repetitive motions. A sore wrist from typing all day is an example of a chronic sprain.
Treatment for Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY
After sustaining a sprain or strain, it is essential to get treatment to prevent your condition from worsening. Treatment for sprains and strains includes the following;
- Pain relief medications
- Massages
- Heat and ice therapy
- Braces and external supports
- Exercises
Physical Therapy for Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY
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 method that provides quick relief and supports long-term healing. In many cases, physical therapy can eliminate the need for invasive surgery and harmful drugs.
When you visit your physical therapist for sprain and strain treatment, you can expect the following;
Pain Relief
Physical therapy for sprains and strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY, usually begins with immediate pain relief as the primary goal. Your physical therapist will develop a specific pain-relieving strategy for you, including ice or heat therapy, hands-on manual therapy, stretching, ultrasound, or other therapies.
Healing and Strengthening
After pain relief, the focus of your treatment shifts to healing your injury. Regaining your range of motion and strengthening your muscles are crucial. Your physical therapist will recommend passive and active exercises to target your muscles and improve your strength.
Prevention of Further Injury
Once the injury heals, the focus of your treatment shifts again to preventing 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.”
Why Should You Choose Treatment for Sprains and Strains in Merrick and Amityville, NY?
Sprains and strains can occur again in the same area despite treatment. However, with the help of a professional, you can heal properly and regain your range of motion. You don’t have to be in pain for extended periods or worry about a recurrence of your injury.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you suffer from a sprain or strain in Merrick and Amityville. You can schedule a free consultation with our physical therapists at Summit Physical Therapy to learn what treatment works for you and speed up your recovery.
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!
FAQs
What are Sprains and Strains?
Sprains and strains are both injuries. A sprain is an injury to your ligaments. It occurs when the tissues connecting two bones stretch or tear. Strains, on the other hand, are injuries to your muscles or tendons.
How to Treat Strains and Sprains
When you sustain a sprain or a strain, the first step is to stop your activity and rest the injured area. You can then apply ice to the area for 20 minutes. Do this every two to three hours while awake for the first few days after your injury.
If there is swelling in the injured area, you can compress it with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. However, avoid wrapping the area too tightly.
What Types of Physical Therapy Can Be Used to Treat Strains and Sprains?
Physical therapy for treating strains and sprains focuses on minimizing swelling, relieving pain, and restoring function. Treatments include therapeutic exercises, joint and soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation, and heat and ice therapy.
