| |
Disclaimer:
This can not and does not serve as medical advice. If you are injured please see your Doctor!
Injuries are part of being an athlete. For more than 20 years I have had the opportunity to assist athletes in recovering from their injuries. As a physical therapist and a chiropractor I have either experienced or have the opportunity to assist my patients get back to their activities quickly and safely.
The smartest tip I can relay to you is to prevent injuries before they happen. The best ways for young athletes to do this is to establish a good stretching and strengthening routine. (go to www.miltonchiropractic.com click on wellness topics, click on rehabilitation exercises and pick out the body part/parts that is appropriate.)
What do I do if I am injured (or my daughter is injured)? If you or a family member has a question about an injury, please feel free to email or call me ASAP. (drwindwer@miltonchiropractic.com or cell 617-877-3538). I will help you coordinate care quickly and efficiently. At Bay State physical Therapy we have over 20 offices located throughout Massachusetts and work with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the state. I will assist you in coordinating care and get you seen as fast as possible. Please read what some of your teammates have to say.
May 26, 2009 by Keshrie Naidoo DPT, Clinic Director, Quincy office
The role of ankle bracing for prevention of ankle sprain injuries.
Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, October 2003
Soccer, basketball and volleyball are all sports with high incidences of ankle injuries. The authors reviewed the literature to provide advice for clinicians about bracing as a means for preventing ankle injuries and recurrent ankle sprains.
Two important risk factors for ankle sprain include participating in sports involving jumping, landing and cutting and, the most significant risk factor, a previous history of ankle injury. Gender also plays a role in risk of injury with female basketball players being at greater risk than male basketball players for sustaining a Grade 1 ankle sprain. One study reported that basketball players with air cells in the heel were 4 times more likely to injure their ankle than those without (possibly due to deformation of the outer aspect of the heel of the shoe during landing).
Several studies found that ankle braces reduced the risk of ankle sprains in both soccer and basketball players. Ankle braces were also superior to taping in reducing the risk of ankle injury. Both semi-rigid braces and stiff cloth braces were effective in reducing the risk of ankle injury. The authors suggest that athletes with greater degrees of ankle instability utilize the semi-rigid type brace (Aircast Sport Stirrup) and those with lower levels of instability utilize a laced brace with strap configuration.
Athletes may be concerned that the use of a brace can adversely affect performance. The majority of articles cites found that athletes who used the semi-rigid brace had no differences in 40m sprint times, figure of eight runs or vertical jump height. (One study, however, did find that the aircast stirrup brace negatively affected jump shot performance compared to taping).
Overall the authors recommend the use of ankle bracing for athletes involved in sports that involve jumping, landing and cutting and for those who have sustained previous ankle injuries.
Gross MT, Liu HY. The role of ankle bracing for prevention of ankle sprain injuries.
JOSPT, 2003; 33 (10): 572-577.
September 3, 2006
Dear Steve,
In early September of 2005, my daughter sustained an injury diagnosed as a quadriceps tear. She went to a physical therapist in our town recommended by her primary care physician. Kelly is a Varsity soccer goalie but far more important to her, she is a Varsity basketball player with major college potential. As 2 weeks passed, she was not making the progress we had hoped for.
As frustration mounted and basketball season loomed on the horizon, I ran into you at a gym. You asked how she was doing and I gave you the report. You were shocked no MRI had been performed. I saw you on a Tuesday. You called me that day and had Kelly set up with an orthopedic doctor's appointment Thursday at 2:00 and scheduled an MRI to follow the same day at 3:00. In 48 hours you had handled the entire issue.
Kelly's injury had been misdiagnosed and was far more severe than we had thought. After our appointment and MRI, you set us up with a physical therapist for Friday of that same week. Kelly was put on a 2 month program with Matt Rajotte of your Attleboro office. Finally, she was on her way.
Kelly would not have played basketball last season had it not been for you and your company. You coordinated every aspect of her care from the original appointment with Dr. Chase to her physical therapy. You stayed in touch constantly to check on her progress. I have never been more impressed with an organization. Your attention to her injury went above and beyond any thing I have ever experienced.
From time to time, Kelly will tweak her leg a bit. A simple call to Matt and she has an appointment immediately. My calls are always returned immediately and the staff of all offices are professional, polite and courteous. Matt has even called me on the weekend and made time for her. Kelly is seriously considering a major in Physical Therapy as a direct result of the experience she had with Bay State Physical Therapy.
Congratulations and thank you. You and your company are extremely rare in today's world! Keep up the great work.
Best wishes,
Catherine Sullivan
If I am injured should I use heat or ice? In an acute injury ice is always safer to do. Ice will reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat tends to feel better but it will bring blood to an area and if it is damaged will actually increase swelling. When you ice do it for a maximum of 15-20 minutes and then take it off for an hour and then repeat in the same cycle of on for 15-20 minutes and off for an hour as much as you can.
Any other questions please feel free to email Dr. Windwer at drwindwer@miltonchiropractic.com
|
|