by: Kevin Rebman, Chief Myotherapist, NREMT
I’m a Clinical Myotherapist and an Emergency Medical Technician. The reason I got into Sports Injury Recovery Therapy is because I was tired of handing out ice bags and Band-aids. I also hated seeing Athletic Trainers and other “medical personnel” putting ice on injuries that should not have ice.
In case you didn’t hear, the RICE age is dead. It’s woke! The doctor who invented it 25 years ago agrees we should NOT use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to treat an injury. (See our other blog article on “The End of the RICE Age” from August 2019).
Since I occasionally work at youth and adult sporting events as the on-site medical personnel, I wanted to find a way to help athletes recover from injury – not just sit it out. That’s my why! Now, let me tell you about the who, what, and when.
Let’s start at the beginning. When an athlete gets injured, one of two things happens:
- The athlete is treated on the field or court, then gets taken away in an ambulance because something major has happened – maybe a broken leg, dislocated shoulder, major concussion, or something internal. This is always a serious incident, and rightly so; the athlete should be on their way to a hospital Emergency Department.
- The athlete is treated on the field or court, then just gets brought to the sideline for follow-up and possibly sits out the rest of the game, supporting the team as much as they can. In this case, it may have been a sprained ankle or a hyperextended hamstring, or maybe it was getting the wind knocked out of them.
In both scenarios, an injury occurred. So, what does sports injury recovery look like for any specific sports injury? It may surprise you to learn that all sports injuries generally recover the same way! What!?!
Yup! First, the athlete is assessed for the scope and severity of the injury. Primary concerns such as bleeding and breathing issues are addressed, and once the body is more stable, secondary issues can be dealt with. Secondary issues can be anything from reducing a dislocated shoulder, splinting a fracture, or putting on a Band-Aid.
Imagine you had a severe injury and are now being discharged from the hospital with a broken leg from an awesome play on the soccer field (you did score, by the way!). You’re on crutches and hobbling out the door. What happens next?
A New Approach to Sports Injury Recovery
This is when all the other healthcare providers come into play. Yes, we’re talking about physical therapists, chiropractors, and of course – RTPI – we are manual soft tissue therapy for sports recovery!
Did you know – NO other healthcare provider receives more training in muscle tissue manipulation than our therapists at Return to Play Institute? That’s right – Clinical Massage Therapists receive more training in treating soft tissue injuries than almost any other healthcare professional. Throw in lymphatic training and scar tissue work; now, we really push up those training hours.
If you have an injury to any soft tissue, you want to come see us at RTPI.
Ok, so what happens next after the injury? Well, let’s look at some background first.
Sports injury recovery therapy encompasses treatments designed to assist athletes in healing both major injuries (like a broken leg) and minor injuries (like a pulled groin muscle). Therapies may include:
- manual soft tissue therapy at RTPI,
- movement and rehabilitation at a physical therapy office,
- therapeutic exercises from an athletic trainer,
- joint and nerve work from a chiropractor,
- maybe even some painkillers from the orthopedic doctors.
This is all aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, and functional movement. Focusing on both physical recovery and including the athlete in the recovery process (homework), the athlete is empowered to rebuild confidence, enhance performance, and safely return to their sport.
What to Expect During the Recovery Journey
At the first appointment, each medical discipline will have their own intake, maybe some movement testing, and then some form of treatment. Progress will be measured in different ways – some with a tape measure and some with visual assessment.
Each session at RTPI, we also want to know how you have felt between sessions. We know you are going to feel good after our treatment, but how long did it last? Was there anything you did between appointments that maybe should have waited? Progress at RTPI is measured by how your body feels (both at the injured area and the compensating area) at the “next” appointment.
As the recovery weeks tick by, we modify our treatment sessions to meet your recovery progress. This is important for many reasons, including allowing your body to understand it is healing and not hurting any longer. Both your body and brain need to build confidence in your recovery.
At Return to Play Institute, LLC, our dedicated therapists leverage extensive experience in sports injury recovery. We recognize that each athlete is unique, prioritizing personalized recovery plans tailored to your specific needs. Our committed team has a proven track record and is prepared to assist you on your recovery journey. Let us help you reach your full potential.
So, if you are injured in sports or your favorite activity, don’t wait. Give us a call or text, and let’s get you back to your game as soon as possible with our Sports Injury Recovery Therapy at RTPI.
Call Return to Play Institute Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens During Sports Injury Recovery Therapy?
At RTPI, therapists create a customized treatment plan that addresses the athlete’s injury and needs. The initial focus is on compensation and comfort. Compensation is your body’s way of doing more with the uninjured side to make up for the injured side. Comfort is all about reducing pain and inflammation around the injured area and in the areas of compensation. This is all completed with tailored manual soft tissue therapy (basically medical massage therapy for athletes)!
How Long Does Sports Injury Recovery Take?
The duration of sports injury recovery varies based on the injury and athlete. Every body is different and every injury heals differently. Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Acute injuries may require 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, while more complex injuries could take several months to heal.
Can Sports Injury Recovery Therapy Help Prevent Future Injuries?
Yes, the therapy at RTPI plays a significant role in preventing future injuries. Muscles that are not continuously tight with scar tissue at the attachments will perform better and be less susceptible to injury in the future. This proactive approach enhances overall stability and coordination. Regular follow-up sessions are maintenance for the body – just like with any other machine – maintenance is essential for optimum performance and further reducing the risk of injury.
Return to Play Institute, LLC, is in FL: Coral Gables and MN: Edina and St. Paul. Whether healing from a sprain or a more significant injury, our team creates personalized treatment plans to help you recover and keep your soft tissue and muscles performing as they should.