Sports Injury

Investigations as MRI, CT scan and x-rays are an integral part of an athlete’s evaluation. However, they should be regarded as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for an adequate athlete history and examination

Diagnosis:

Every attempt will be made to provide a precise diagnosis of the athlete’s injury. An example would be, instead of using the broad terminology of “Shin Splints” the clinicians at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy will identify which of the three underlying causes it could be:

1. Stress fracture -- small crack in a bone caused by repetitive overuse activity as running sports.
2. Compartment syndrome -- pressure or buildup in an enclosed muscle.
3. Periostitis -- inflammation of the tissue surrounding a bone.

This approach will allow the development of a precise individualized treatment plan for the athlete.

Treatment:

Treatment of the injured athlete has two components:

1. Rehabilitate the injury
2. Correct the cause of the injury.

At Pro-Motion Physical Therapy each athlete can expect, within the limitation of current knowledge, the safest and most effective treatments, producing the best possible outcomes.

We constantly evaluate the effectiveness of our treatments. If a treatment approach is not proving to be effective we will first reconsider the diagnosis. If the diagnosis proves to be correct we will introduce alternative treatments or combination of treatments to allow the patient to achieve the quickest and most complete resolution of their injury.

Home Exercise Program:

All aspect of treatment is complemented with a home exercise program. Exercise and advice on modification of exercise to work or lifestyle activities are given to the patient in pictorial form with written instructions of the number of repetitions and frequency. The home exercise program will be reviewed and progressed regularly in line with the change in an athlete’s condition.

At time of the athlete’s discharge he/she should have a realistic program to continue in the long term for maintenance as well as self-management strategies in the event of any renewed onset pain. Compliance with the established home exercise program is essential. The relationship between the clinician, coach and athlete is crucial.