"I have an overuse injury!!!!"

Dr. Q
Dec 2, 2017
2 min read

Like it or not overuse injuries do occur, but that does not mean you can never resume sports. Overuse injuries can be treated effectively with physical therapy, and collaboration between the therapist, coach, family, and athlete. There is no cookie cutter answer to treating an overuse injury as there are many different types all of which require specific consideration. The goal here is to inform you of the therapeutic approach to treating these types of injuries in the young athlete.

It is important to be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist who will be able to determine if the injury requires further medical diagnostics and attention or if the injury is able to be treated in physical therapy (PT). Either way, the athlete will require PT to ensure a healthy transition back to their perspective sport. The therapist can utilize a variety of treatment options appropriate for that specific injury. In general, the treatment consists of the following:

Rest – I know athletes HATE to hear this, but it is extremely important to adequately rest and rehab the injured body part to prevent further damage. But let’s take a unique approach to rest, “The R.E.S.T. Principle” – Resume Exercise below the Soreness Threshold. We do this by decreasing the volume of exercise by 25-50%, decreasing the intensity by 10-20%, and reducing the frequency by 25-50%. Keep in mind some injuries do require a period of strict rest, meaning no activity.
Therapeutic Modalities – Cryotherapy (cold therapy) can reduce pain and inflammation associated with the injury. Thermotherapy (heat therapy) can improve the elasticity of muscles and tendons, relax muscles, increase circulation, and decrease pain. Electrical stimulation can decrease pain, decrease muscle spasms, improve muscular contractility, and assist in improving strength.
Therapeutic Exercises – The exercises performed initially will not be sport specific, but will focus on improving joint mobility, range of motion, and flexibility. The goal is to regain neuromuscular function, proprioception (knowledge of where your body is in space), and strength. As goals are met, the exercises will functionally progress to include sport specific movements in order to prepare you to return to your sport safely.
Protective Bracing – Bracing may be utilized if the injury resulted in an unstable joint. In these cases, it is important to protect the joint from further injury by stabilizing it and controlling range of motion to resume functional facilitation of that joint.
Compressive Support – This is especially important if there is a significant amount of swelling. Supports can provide functional support, proprioceptive feedback, and facilitate healing.

Adequate rehabilitation is important to obtain normal pain-free joint range of motion, normal strength and balance, normal proprioception, and a functional progression into sports-specific activity necessary for safe and effective sports performance.