Our rehabilitation center specializes in treating athletes who are suffering due to a sports injury. Treating them correctly is the only way to ensure an athlete can recover and continue to play. Every athlete is different, which means every program we create for injured athletes is also different. There is a basis for how the stages of rehabilitation work. We have outlined what that generally looks like, but keep in mind, we will have to see you and discuss your injuries first.
Rest and Recovery Stage
Immediately following an injury, you should cease the activity you are doing. You do not want to cause further damage by trying to push through the pain. Your body will want to start the healing process on its own and you need to allow that to happen. The first thing that will start to happen is inflammation around the injured area. This usually comes with pain, which you may not feel at first. Inflammation is your body’s natural defense and creates an area of protection. You can help by wrapping the area or using a sling if you can. Inflammation can last up to 6 days before your body begins the profilerative phase. This is when the tissue starts to heal. After about 2 weeks, something called remodeling occurs. Remodeling can take up to 2 years depending on the severity of the injury. We assist your body so that as it heals naturally, it can do so in proper alignment.
Motion Recovery Stage
After we have cleared you, the next stage of rehab is to work toward full range of motion again. Swelling and pain can make this part difficult because your brain has a natural tendency to stop moving when something hurts. We help you mobilize your joints using gentle manipulation. This allows lymphatic drainage to take place and aids in recovery. Massage therapy can also be very helpful here. Regardless of what you need, our priority is to go at a pace your body can handle.
Strength Recovery Stage
When an athlete is injured, it does not mean they need to stop moving, movement just has to happen the right way. One of our goals is to keep our athletes from losing more muscle and strength than they need to during recovery. We measure strength throughout the process in order to keep accountability and see improvement. The key to recovery is staying active using specific exercises at a pace that is designed just for you.
Form and Function Recovery Stage
The last stage in rehabilitation is for you to be able to function at the same level you did before the injury occurred. There are many things we help you through in order to get to this point, including: speed and agility work, balance work, coordination, and strength improvement. This is how you gradually build yourself back up before you begin performing complex movements. The body has to be strong in key areas to handle complex movements so another injury or reinjury does not occur.
Proactive Prevention Measures
Once you are cleared to go back to your sport, we want to make sure you have the knowledge and tools you need to protect yourself from injuries in the future. At this point, we will have a preventative program designed for you based on your rehabilitation process. It is important to follow it and come back to us for regular adjustments. Taking care of your body is the only way you can continue to be an athlete and perform at the level you want.
When you visit our rehabilitation center, we spend the first session getting to know you as a person and as an athlete. We will go over your medical history, your current health, and discuss any medication you have taken or are currently taking. It is important to remember that your diet plays a significant role in recovery. Your body needs nutrients to heal you both physically and mentally. A physical exam of your injury may also be aided by imaging. Taking all of these things into account is how we create a plan for you and an effective way for you to measure and reach your goals.
When you visit our clinic, you will feel heard and supported by our qualified team of chiropractors and physical therapists. We are better qualified to diagnose and treat your injuries, no matter their severity. To find out what you need to do to take the first steps towards recovery, contact us directly through our website or give us a call over the phone. Don’t let your injuries hold you back from reaching your goals as an athlete. Using our methods, you will not only get back to the athlete you were, but will have the tools you need to push yourself further than you thought possible.
