Now that the days are shorter and the weather is cooling down, we begin to buckle down and get ready for the approaching school year. Getting ready for school also means getting ready for fall sports. In the United States, about 30 million children and teens take part in some type of organized sports. Although minor bumps and bruises are expected and occur, over 3.5 million injuries that cause a loss of playing time are experienced by participants. By learning about the most common fall sports injuries you can potentially prevent them from happening or be prepared for if they do. In the case that you or someone you know is injured, and needs online physical therapy Staten Island, look to Virtual PT NYC. No matter what age or what sport, our physical therapists will help you recover so you can get back to doing what you love.

Traditional Sports Played in Fall

Almost any sport is playable in the fall but some of the most popular fall sports include soccer, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, football, cheerleading, tennis, and cross country. These sports can be fun and challenging. They require strength, skill, cardiovascular training, and the drive to succeed. Despite all the positives about fall sports, they all pose the risk of injury while playing.

Common Fall Sports Injuries

Injuries are not an uncommon occurrence while playing fall sports. Typical injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures which can all be treated with online physical therapy Staten Island. However, other conditions include:

• ACL Injuries - An ACL injury is a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee and is the most commonly injured knee ligament. They are usually torn while participating in sports that require sudden stops, jumping, or changes in direction like soccer and football.
  

• Concussions - Concussions are one of the most common injuries seen in high school football players and are a type of traumatic brain injury that is the result of a blow or bump to the head. You do not have to lose consciousness to experience a concussion and can lead to temporary cognitive symptoms.
  

• Shin Splints - The main symptom of shin splints is feeling pain in the leg, specifically the tibia, which is the bone that forms the shin. This condition is usually seen in sports with lots of running like cross country and soccer, but are also frequent in athletes who have recently intensified or switched their training routines.
  

• Tennis Elbow - Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this painful condition is caused by the repetitive wrist and arm movements. When these certain movements are repeated, the tendons become overloaded and may get small tears. These tears can cause pain in the rest of the arm and make everyday tasks difficult to get through.
  

Preventing Fall Sports Injuries

Several steps can be taken to prevent fall sports injuries from happening. Some tips include properly warming up before physical activity, cross-training to strengthen all parts of the body, making sure the courts and fields are in good condition and investing in quality sports equipment like mouth guards. If an injury is sustained, it is important to speak up about it as opposed to playing through it. A doctor may prescribe a certain amount of time to not play if injured and it is important to listen and properly follow those directions to avoid worsening it.

Treatment

Although prevention methods can be taken, sometimes receiving an injury is unavoidable. For a more acute injury resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the injury may be enough to heal it. However, in the case of something serious, it is crucial to go to a doctor so they can assess the issue and recommend proper treatment. Many doctors will recommend physical therapy for sports injuries to recover or improve physical ability in a safe and timely manner. By utilizing tactics such as exercises, stretches, massage, and more they can create a customized treatment plan to best meet your goals. There are different options you can take when finding a physical therapist. Whether it be in person or online physical therapy at Staten Island, it is important to get help.

Contact Us For Online Physical Therapy Staten Island

If you are looking for online physical therapy Staten Island, look no further than Virtual PT NYC. Our physical therapists provide the highest quality care from the comfort of your own home so you can be treated without the hassle of travel. We are devoted to helping you feel your best and are eager to give you our undivided attention. Visit our website for more information or to contact us today to be one step closer to the road to recovery.