Everyone loves the thrill that comes with football; the touchdowns, the field goals, the brutal tackles. Whether you’re a professional athlete, college competitor, high school champion, or just someone who loves to get together with their buddies for a pick-up game on the weekend, the allure of this national hobby is too exciting to resist. However, this popular pastime often comes with a painful price. Luckily, Raritan PT is here to offer physical therapy for football injuries to help get you back on the field. 

Physical Therapist Treating Patient With Football Injury

Physical Therapy Is The #1 Recommended Treatment For Football Injuries

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) states that only around 7.5% of football injuries require surgery. Rather than deal with the scars and expenses of going under the knife, the NCAA recommend customized sports physical therapy as your first treatment of choice. These programs are specifically designed for your needs and help improve your general physical health and level of athleticism, with special emphasis on the area of injury.

Physical therapy is devised to help the patient manage symptoms while also rebuilding muscle strength and flexibility. It is also known to help with rehabilitation on the occasions where surgery is needed. Those who suffer from chronic pain after a debilitating injury has healed can also benefit from this type of treatment.

What Are Some Typical Injuries We See In Football Players?

Football is an extremely accident-prone sport, even when the proper safety equipment is used. While the bulk of these injuries consist of orthopedic trauma such as torn ligaments, sprains, dislocations, and broken bones, concussions are another all-too-common side effects of this physically aggressive game. Although most of the damage to the body occurs as a result of physical contact, conditions such as fatigue, poor training, and dehydration also heighten your risk of injury.

Stages of Sports Injury Related Physical Therapy

  1. The Acute Phase is the first step and occurs in the first weeks following the injury. It is often referred to as RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate, and is paramount to reducing inflammation and stimulating healing. Your physical therapist may use a variety of methods to help speed up the recovery process, including electricity or ice.
  2. The Subacute Phase begins when the injury is stabilized and the inflammation goes down. In an effort to repair the damaged tissue, it involves the beginning of movement to stretch and strengthen your body in a way that will not aggravate the injury while also discouraging atrophy. Depending on your physical therapy plan, you may be asked to perform a range of motion exercises or other tasks. Although this phase may vary in duration, it generally lasts about one or two months.
  3. The Chronic Phase can begin when you are ready to go back to your regular training schedule (no matter what your level.) This phase will focus on restoring your strength, endurance, and full range of motion. During treatment, your physical therapist may also educate you on warm-up practices and training procedures that may help to prevent re-injuring yourself and avoid future harm.

Ready to Bounce Back From Your Football Injury?

Raritan Physical Therapy is here to help you recover from your football injury. Gladly serving Raritan and the surrounding New Jersey areas seven days a week, our skilled professionals are goal-oriented and will help alleviate your pain and get you back into the game! Contact us by calling (732) 622-4400 to set up a consultation.