What Are Common Sports Injuries and How Physical Therapy Supports Recovery

Sports injuries aren’t limited to athletes. While the term typically refers to injuries during exercise or sports, they can affect anyone who is physically active, whether you’re a machine operator with tennis elbow, a painter with a shoulder strain, or a gardener dealing with tendonitis. 

Whether the injury is acute (like a sprain or dislocation) or chronic (such as repetitive stress injuries), early diagnosis and structured rehab are key. Explore common sports injuries and how physical therapy supports recovery.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries vary in severity and cause. The following are some of the most common in active individuals.

• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons caused by overstretching or tearing during movement.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon due to repetitive use, often affecting the ankle, elbow, or shoulder.
• Shin Splints: Often affects runners; caused by stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles from high-impact activities.
• Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain): Discomfort or pain around the kneecap from misalignment, overuse, or muscle imbalances.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Result from overhead activities; may involve inflammation, full tears, or weakness in the shoulder muscles.
• Ankle Sprains: A common result of twisting or rolling the ankle due to abrupt changes in direction.

How Physical Therapy Supports Recovery

Healing from chronic or acute sports injury takes more than just rest. Whether recovering from a sprain, tendinitis, or rotator cuff injuries, understanding common sports injuries and how physical therapy supports recovery is key to a safe and effective rehabilitation process.

Pain and Inflammation Reduction

Therapists use modalities such as ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and control swelling during the early recovery process.

Restoring Mobility and Strength

Through guided stretching exercises and strengthening, physical therapy restores joint range of motion and prevents muscle atrophy that often follows injury-related inactivity.

Improving Balance and Coordination

Balance exercises retrain the body’s sense of stability, which is crucial for ankle, knee, and core muscle injuries. They also reduce the risk of reinjury and enhance athletic performance.

Correcting Movement Patterns

Our physical therapists evaluate how your body moves and retrain you in correct biomechanics to avoid the compensations that often lead to chronic injury.

Personalized Return-to-Play Programs

A structured return-to-play treatment plan gradually increases intensity and sport relevance, ensuring the athlete returns to full performance without compromising safety.

Why Choose Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy for Sports Injury Recovery

At Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, we combine personalized treatment plans, modern techniques, and a patient-first approach so you can start moving better.

• Integrated Chiropractic & PT Approach: Combining chiropractic adjustments with physical therapy ensures a comprehensive path to healing.
• Sports Rehab Experience: Our team has extensive experience working with recreational and professional athletes across various sports.
• One-on-One Care and Goal Setting: We work closely with each patient to set realistic goals and provide undivided attention during sessions.

What to Expect from Sports Injury Rehab at Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy

Our rehab approach is structured yet flexible, tailored to each patient’s injury, sport, and goals. Here’s what your healing process will look like.

1. Initial Evaluation: We begin with a detailed assessment, including a review of your physical activities and movement analysis for an accurate sports injury diagnosis.
2. Customized Treatment Plans: Your recovery roadmap is built around your personal goals, sport, injury type, and timeline.
3. Progress Tracking: As you regain strength and mobility, your program adapts to maintain steady progress toward full recovery of the injured body part.
4. Education and Injury Prevention: We equip you with warm-ups and strengthening exercises and biomechanics tips to reduce risks and keep the injured area protected.

Return to Your Game Stronger Than Ever

Understanding common sports injuries and how physical therapy supports recovery empowers you to take control of your healing, prevent sports injuries, and get back to doing what you love. 

Physical therapy does more than heal injuries—it helps you come back stronger, more balanced, and better prepared to stay active. It also teaches you to manage pain effectively and avoid setbacks while playing sports.

Don’t ignore lingering aches or movement limitations. Schedule an appointment with Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward healing!