NEW JERSEY SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY

COMMON SPORTS INJURIES

IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics uses the most advanced technology to treat many common sports injuries in athletes, such as:

SPINAL INJURIES

Spinal injuries such as herniated discs can occur through overexertion or trauma related to sports. Discs are elements in the spine that cushion the vertebra, allowing easy spine movement. Discs also are responsible for absorbing shock to the spine during physical activity. When a disc becomes torn, ruptured, or misplaced through overuse, athletes may feel pain in the upper or lower back.

Spinal stenosis is another common spine injury that occurs in athletes. After a patient experiences spinal trauma, their spinal canal can narrow. This causes pressure on either the upper or lower part of the spine, leading to pain, numbness in the extremities, or balance issues.

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR (AC) JOINT DISEASE

Acromioclavicular joints are responsible for providing shoulder flexibility. However, overexertion through sports can easily tear and injure these joints, making it difficult for athletes to move their arms freely. In addition, patients may feel symptoms such as shoulder pain or swelling. There are two types of acromioclavicular joint injuries:

• Acromioclavicular joint separation
• Acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) TEARS

ACL tears are one of the most common sports injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament is a tendon in the knee that is essential for giving athletes the ability to rotate and stretch the knee out. The ACL can become damaged or partially torn through sports overuse. Athletes can typically tell if they have an injury to their knee if they experience a sudden popping feeling after making a move. Additionally, athletes may feel pain, swelling, and the inability to move their knee.

TENDONITIS AND TENDON TEARS

Athletes often make repetitive movements throughout practices and games. This includes actions such as throwing, kicking, or raising the arms. Sometimes, these repetitive movements can cause tendons to become inflamed or worn. Tendonitis and tendon tears are two conditions that can occur in many areas of the body, including:

• Biceps
• Elbows
• Hips
• Knees
• Shoulders

LABRAL TEARS

The labrum is responsible for regulating motion in the shoulder and hips. However, athletes can easily injure this part of the body through overexertion during sports activities. Labral tears can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, stiffness, decreased strength, and grinding during movements.

TORN ROTATOR CUFFS

Rotator cuffs are parts of the shoulder that regulate everyday movements. A partial or complete tear can occur in athletes through sports overuse. Patients can typically tell if they have a torn rotator cuff if their shoulder pops or clicks during movements. In addition, athletes can experience pain and the inability to move their arms.

MENISCAL TEARS

Meniscal tears are knee injuries that many athletes suffer through overexertion during physical activities. The meniscus is made up of cartilage and is responsible for cushioning and protecting the knee from shock. However, this area is especially susceptible to injuries and stress while playing sports, such as basketball, tennis, and football. Not wearing proper footwear and playing on an unstable surface can increase the risk of a meniscal tear.

Athletes typically can detect a meniscal tear if they experience a sudden pop in the knee. They also may experience symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, and the inability to move the knee.

PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR ATHLETES AT IGEA BRAIN, SPINE & ORTHOPEDICS

Patients seeking to manage pain from sports overuse can trust IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics with their care. Here, an experienced team of award-winning doctors and neurosurgeons is committed to providing patients with knowledgeable and compassionate treatment. We offer treatment at multiple convenient locations across NJ and NY including Paramus, Union, and Jersey City. To learn more about sports pain management, contact IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics today.