Get Relief for Your Sports Injury and Get Back in the Game!
—June Newsletter —
Thomas was an avid high school soccer player with dreams of making it to the college level. He trained hard and played even harder, but one misstep during a match changed everything. As he lunged for the ball, he felt a sharp pain in his ankle and crumpled to the ground. The diagnosis was quick but disheartening: an ankle sprain.
Fortunately, at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy, our therapists are skilled at identifying and treating all types of sports injuries. Our therapists will conduct a whole-body assessment to ensure we identify all the factors that may impact recovery and design our programs tailored to the individual.
Give us a call today to learn more about our programs and set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists!
Identifying an Ankle Sprain
At first, Thomas didn’t know the severity of his injury. Like many, he thought he could just ‘walk it off.’ However, the key signs were there:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty putting weight on the foot
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. When Thomas landed awkwardly, he twisted his ankle in the process. Although ankle sprains are common in sports and often ignored, getting proper care is critical to quick recovery and reducing the risk of future injuries.
Unfortunately, too often, athletes don’t want to miss out on competing and “play through” injuries. Ankle sprains, in particular, are susceptible to recurrent sprains, especially when not properly rehabilitated.
The Road to Recovery
Thomas’s journey to recovery began with a visit to Movement Specialists Physical Therapy. He was evaluated by one of our skilled physical therapists and given guidance on how to recover quickly and get back into the game!
Initial Steps
Initially, Thomas’s therapy focused on reducing his pain, eliminating his swelling, and restoring his mobility. This involved:
M.I.C.E (Move, Ice, Compression, Elevation): This simple method is crucial in the early stages of an ankle sprain. Thomas learned to keep moving his ankle, apply ice to reduce pain, and use compression with elevation to reduce the swelling.
Building Strength and Stability
Once the swelling reduced, Thomas’s therapy shifted gears towards rebuilding strength and stability. This phase included:
Strengthening Exercises: Thomas worked on exercises to strengthen the muscles around his ankle. These included toe raises and resistance band exercises.
Balance Training: To regain stability, Thomas practiced balancing exercises. This was crucial to prevent future sprains.
Regaining Functionality
The final phase of Thomas’s therapy centered on getting him back to his pre-injury level and back on the field. This involved:
Functional Training: Thomas gradually returned to activities that mimicked soccer movements.
Sport-Specific Drills: As he regained strength, sport-specific exercises were introduced to prepare him for returning to soccer.
Through his recovery, Thomas also learned how to perform sport-specific warm-ups, the importance of sleep, and regular conditioning to prevent injuries.
Embrace The Recovery Blueprint and
Get Back in Action!
Thomas’s story is a reminder of the importance of addressing sports injuries with the guidance from our team at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy. Take the first step in healing your ankle sprain and returning to the sport you love by calling today to schedule an appointment!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103112/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514819/, https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.0503
Why Movement Specialists Physical Therapy is the Key to Full Recovery After a Sports Injury
When recovering from a sports injury, time is of the essence, and seeing a physical therapist as soon as possible can be the pivotal factor that leads to a complete and successful rehabilitation. While many may consider these injuries a mere inconvenience, they can have long-lasting consequences if not treated properly from the start.
Here’s some of the common problems with waiting to see one of our physical therapists after a sports injury:
- Incomplete Healing: Ligaments and tissues may never regain their full strength and stability, leaving you vulnerable to further injuries. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more challenging it becomes to recover fully.
- Poor Rehabilitation: Inadequate or improper rehabilitation is a common pitfall that leads to recurrent injuries. Without proper rehabilitation, you risk weakening the supporting structures, setting the stage for another injury.
- Return to Activity Too Soon: One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is rushing back into physical activities or sports before a full recovery. It’s understandable to be eager to return to the game, but a premature return can lead to re-injury. Our physical therapists will guide you on when it’s safe to resume your activities, ensuring you don’t jeopardize your progress.
Your Road to Recovery Begins Now — Take Action Today!
When it comes to sports injuries, early intervention by one of our physical therapists is not just a wise choice — it’s a game-changer. Their expertise and guidance can make all the difference between a complete recovery and a cycle of recurrent injuries. Don’t let an injury hold you back; call Movement Specialists Physical Therapy today. Your future self will thank you!
Book Your Visit Now
Location! Location! Location!
We’re excited to share that Movement Specialists Physical Therapy is expanding with a third location coming soon to Gretna! This new clinic at 59 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, LA 70053 reflects our continued commitment to making high-quality, personalized physical therapy more accessible across the greater New Orleans area.
Our Gretna location will be staffed by experienced providers including Hunter Beaugez, Joseph Squatrito, and Elise Hood, offering the same evidence-based care our patients know and trust. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing pain, or working toward better movement, our team is here to help you stay active and feel your best.
Try Our New Word Search!
💡 How to Play
Welcome! Test your Sports Injury Recovery knowledge. Spell all 8 hidden words using the clues below. Type your word in the box and click Submit. Can you find them all?
Important note: You can use each letter in the grid more than once! Good luck!
Found Words (0/8):
🩺 Puzzle Clues
All 8 hidden words relate to Sports Injury Rehabilitation. If you read our latest article, you’ll definitely recognize these!
- (6 Letters) The Diagnosis: An injury occurring when supporting ligaments stretch beyond their limits and tear.
- (7 Letters) The Training: Type of exercise practiced to regain stability and prevent future injuries.
- (8 Letters) The Symptom: A key sign of injury that the M.I.C.E. method and elevation help reduce.
- (8 Letters) The Restoration: What initial therapy focuses on restoring, along with reducing pain.
- (8 Letters) The Goal: The complete healing process that is jeopardized if you return to activity too soon.
- (9 Letters) The Structure: The tissues that support the ankle and can tear when stretched beyond their limits.
- (9 Letters) The Prevention: What is rebuilt alongside strength to protect against future sprains.
- (11 Letters) The Method: The ‘C’ in the M.I.C.E. acronym used to treat the early stages of injury.
Who do you know that needs our help?
Advanced Pain Relief Now Available in Metairie!
We’re thrilled to announce that Movement Specialists Physical Therapy is now offering Shock Wave Therapy and Smart Ice Laser Therapy – cutting-edge treatments designed to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and promote recovery for stubborn injuries like plantar fasciitis, tendon pain, and more. These services are available exclusively at our Metairie location and provided as self-pay options. Using the 45W Smart Ice Laser and Focused Shockwave units, our team can help target pain at the source and get you moving again – faster and more effectively than ever before.
Patient Success Stories
“Superb Care!“
“Movement Specialists did a phenomenal job helping reduce my back pain. After working with Evan, I feel stronger and can now go about my day-to-day life without constant discomfort. The entire staff was incredibly friendly, and all of the technicians went out of their way to make sure I was well taken care of. I highly recommend Evan or anyone on the Movement Specialists staff to those in need of physical therapy!”
–L.N
June Healthy Recipe:
Flax Oat Bran Muffins
Densely packed with good-for-you ingredients like flaxseed meal, oat bran, carrots, apples, and raisins and are the perfect on the go breakfast or as an anytime snack (or dessert!).
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup unbleached white flour
- 3/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 3/4 cup oat bran
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 large apple, grated
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Stir in carrots, apples and raisins. Combine milk, beaten eggs and vanilla. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral?
Not everyone knows you can go directly to your physical therapist if you are dealing with pain or an injury. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with an old or new problem. In all 50 states, you can schedule a visit with one of our therapists to get help sooner than later.
Direct Access is all about having the freedom to make your own decisions without being bound by outdated rules. It allows you to be in charge of your healthcare so you can focus on your recovery instead of waiting for another appointment to get you the help you need today!
Direct Access also helps you save money, schedule when you want, and speeds up your recovery so you can get relief and get back to doing what you love. If you have questions about Direct Access or would like to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, contact Movement Specialists Physical Therapy now!
Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following?
- Move without pain
- Bend and move freely
- Balance confidently and securely
- Sit for long periods comfortably
- Walk for long distances
- Live an active and healthy lifestyle
If you know someone suffering from aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Movement Specialists Physical Therapy today. Forward this newsletter or have them call us directly for a physical therapy consultation.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
