Most Common Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Sports are a great way to stay active and healthy, but they can also lead to injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports and recreation injuries account for over 3 million emergency department visits each year in the United States.

TLC Physical Therapy team sees different sports injuries every day. With 8 locations across New York, we specialize in helping athletes get back in the game thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment and modern practice spaces.

The best way to stay in the game is to avoid injuries in the first place. Here, our experienced physical therapist Jason LaMendola, PT, shares his insights into the most common sports injuries and how to prevent them.

Some of the most common sports injuries include:

• Ankle injuries: These injuries range from mild to severe. Ankle injuries are common in sports that involve running, jumping, and cutting, such as basketball, soccer, and football.

• Knee injuries: Knee injuries can range from mild to severe, and they can affect any part of the knee joint, including the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Common knee injuries include ACL tears, meniscus tears, and patellar tendinitis.

• Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries are also common in sports, and they can include rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, and tendinitis. Shoulder injuries can occur when the shoulder is overused or when it is subjected to a sudden force.

• Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains are injuries to the ligaments and muscles, respectively. They can occur in any part of the body, but they are especially common in the ankles, knees, shoulders, and back.

• Concussions: Concussions are brain injuries that can occur from a blow to the head. Concussions are a serious concern in all sports, but they are especially common in contact sports such as football, hockey, and rugby.

Physical therapy along with the consultation of other professionals is necessary to help you recover from a sports injury. TLC Physical Therapy can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around the injured area and improve your range of motion.

In order to receive the best care for your sports injury book an appointment with us at one of our locations in New York City, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan.