Regardless of the sport you are involved in, you might have to see a certified physical therapist at one point. Of course, various factors will determine how soon this will be. It is even more important to see a physical therapist as soon as possible if you have tried to exercise, jogging, or applied topical pain relief creams and the still pain doesn’t go away.
Physical therapists are trained and skilled to help patients overcome stiffness in the joints and nagging pains. Their main aim is to eliminate any issue that might be hindering movement. If you are unsure whether the time is right to visit a physical therapist for sports injuries, read on to discover the appropriate time to see a certified physical therapist.
You are Experiencing Recurring Pain
It is probably best to visit a certified physical therapist if you have been experiencing recurring chronic pain for some time now. If you fail to address the pain on time, you will have to deal with bouts of pain. This can lower your productivity and add to your frustrations.
Physical therapists can help you deal with the pain. Your physical therapist will likely place you on a program to unlock your flexibility and full range of motion. Therapists might also help your body to cope with the pain before it goes away.
You are Dealing with Numbness and Nerve Damage
Nerve damage usually leads to numbness. This happens because your nerves are likely to lose their connectivity and cause loss of sensory information and numbness. Even though your primary care provider might help stop the initial damage, a certified physical therapist has what it takes to deal with the problem quickly.
The physical therapist will place you on a program to force your body to heal the numb part.
You Have Swelling Joints
It would be best to see a physical therapist as soon as possible if you have sour parts and swelling joints. This is especially important if you are recovering from an injury. Swelling and soreness can be uncomfortable and an indication of a more severe issue. For instance, sore muscles can be a sign of a muscular disease.
When you visit a physical therapist, you will be put under various tests to identify the cause of the pain. Depending on the results, your physical therapist might opt to massage you or administer muscle therapy. Moreover, the therapist will design a custom plan to make sure the pain goes away permanently.
You Have Weak Joints
Unfortunately, you are at risk of various sports injuries when playing sports. Although you can all precautions to avoid these injuries, you might not stop fractures and normal wear and tear in the joints. For instance, knee injuries can occur after a fall or due to wear and tear. When this happens, you will find it hard to perform the most basic tasks and play sports.
Luckily, physical therapists can design programs to strengthen your joints and muscles.
Pain Won’t Go Away After Taking Pain Meds
At least eight over 10 Americans are likely to turn to pain meds to relieve all kinds of pain. If you are like many Americans, the chances are that you have already turned to pain medication to relieve back pain, headaches, soreness, or fevers. If the pain does not go away even after taking pain meds, it is best to check with your physical therapist.
The therapist will diagnose you and create a custom plan to deal with the pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, the therapist might recommend bracing, manual therapies, muscle inhabitation, or any other method.
Reduced Range of Motion
If you are experiencing reduced mobility after an injury, the chances are that your body did not heal the right way. Stiff joints, ligaments, or tendons might be the cause of your reduced mobility. Seeing your physical therapist in such a case is the best thing to do since the therapist will design a set of exercises to unlock your mobility.
You are Dealing With Permanent Pain
Permanent pain usually occurs if your body fails to heal from fractures, torn tendons, or ankle sprains. These injuries can affect your performance. That is why you should visit a physical therapist as soon as possible.
You don’t have to wait until you develop a serious injury to see a physical therapist. It is also wise to see your therapist for prevention. Physical therapists will also improve your performance and help keep disease at bay.
If you are experiencing some of these signs, make sure to see a physical therapist quickly.