Sports Rehab

By Ehren Allen, PT/Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist

What is Sports Rehab?

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Physical therapy for injuries related to sports is Sports Rehabilitation or Sports Rehab. An ankle sprain may occur while running to kick a ball during a soccer game.  An injury may occur during a practice, game, or conditioning training.

Sports therapy may occur in a formal physical therapy setting or occur with an athletic trainer at a school or training room.

Physical Therapy is used to treat numerous types of issues, including:

• Ankle sprains
• Knee sprains
• ACL tears
• Meniscus Tears
• Hip pointers
• Shin Splints
• Shoulder strains
• Rotator cuff tears
• Labrum tears
• Concussions

To learn more about the treatment of shin splints, please go to Shin Splints.

What does a Sports Therapist do?

A sports physical therapist or certified athletic trainer can evaluate and treat sports-related injuries.  They may set up a Plan of Care to progress an athlete back to the sports of choice.  They may help to determine whether a referral to a physician or surgeon is necessary.

Treatment options

• Exercises
• Stretching
• Strength training
• Endurance training
• Balance training
• Massage
• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Ultrasound
• Electrical Stimulation
• Laser Therapy
• Alter G Treadmill (Anti-Gravity)
• Biodex Isokinetic Testing and Training

A Certified Athletic Trainer may be on the sideline at a game or practice to immediately assess an injury. The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute is the sports medicine partner of professional, collegiate, and high school athletic departments in the Jacksonville area. We provide Certified Athletic Trainers at many sporting events in the Northeast Florida area.

JOI also provides physicians at many local sporting events in support of our Sports Medicine Partners.

Is there Sports Rehab for Running?

If you’re a runner, you’ve probably had an injury.  Sports therapy is beneficial for treating running injuries.  Even if you’re not injured, a Running Analysis may help assess technique and address issues with stride and posture. Exercises may be prescribed as the sports physical therapist, or athletic trainer finds appropriate.

Custom orthotics can help with foot position issues.  An example of an issue with foot position would be over-pronation of the foot or ankle.

Can Sports Rehab help even if I am not Injured?

JOI offers biomechanical analysis services to help with sports performance.  This is available even if there is no injury.  A detailed technical analysis may help identify areas that may be improved with training to enhance performance.

Biomechanical Analysis is available for:

• Baseball throwing
• Batting
• Golfing
• Running
• Cycling
• Tennis

The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute offers expert insight and is the area’s most respected and experienced Sports Medicine and Sports Rehab Provider.

What are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

There are 9 most common sports injuries.  The most common athletic injuries can affect student-athletes, professional athletes, and weekend warriors.  To learn more about Injuries in athletics and sports, read our article on the Most Common Sports Injuries.

What can Sports Rehab do for Concussions?

A concussion is a mild brain injury that can occur with a blow to the head during a sporting activity.  Common sports where concussions may occur include Football, Soccer, and Lacrosse, though they are possible with all sports.

At the time of the injury, an athletic trainer may immediately assess whether they are safe to stay in-game or practice.  JOI performs baseline memory and problem-solving tests on athletes before sports seasons for comparison if a concussion occurs.  This helps to determine the severity or presence of a Concussion.

JOI has a Concussion Specialist of staff. Dr. Michael Yorio is an Internal Medicine Doctor with a specialty in Sports Medicine and Concussions.  He is the Team Internist for the Jacksonville Jaguars and assesses and manages Concussion Injuries.   If an athlete sustains a blow to the head, JOI athletic trainers can refer patients directly to Dr. Yorio for a thorough evaluation.

If there are balance issues or dizziness after a Concussion, there may be a referral for physical therapy to treat the dizziness and balance issues.

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

New To JOI: You now can make and cancel follow-up appointments for your JOI Physician through the JOI Portal.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.