Common Women’s Lacrosse Injuries

Women’s lacrosse, one of the most popular sports in North America is known for causing many injuries among its players. Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, East Northport, Nesconset, East Meadow, Glen Cove, and Coram,  treat many women who have suffered from common lacrosse injuries. The most important thing Island Sports Physical Therapy focuses on is a fast and full recovery for their patients, and making sure that they are able to get back to playing as soon as possible. If you play lacrosse in Huntington, NY, Island Sports Physical Therapy can help treat a wide variety of injuries.

Lacrosse is known as a moderate risk sport and the majority of injuries are sprains, strains, and bruises, however many other serious injuries also occur such as

  • Ankle sprain
  • Head or face contusion
  • Concussion
  • Knee sprain (ACL, MCL)
  • Wrist fracture
  • Hip flexor strain
  • Low back pain
  • Many more

It is important for women’s lacrosse players to cease activity that uses the injured part of the body in order to prevent it from getting any worse. Often times the injury occurs because of repetitive motion or continuously injuring the same area. Lacrosse requires a lot of stopping and starting, sprinting and vigorous exercising that can get the culprit of the injury.

The good news is that there are many ways to prevent women’s lacrosse injuries and there are also many ways to treat these injuries. It is important for women’s lacrosse players to stay in shape even during the offseason in order to keep their muscles conditioned to the hard workouts during the season. This helps to prevent many injuries because the body is not shocked when it needs to perform during the season. Some other ways to prevent and treat women’s lacrosse injuries are:

  • Know the rules
  • Maintain open communication
  • Be proactive in conditioning
  • Wear the right equipment
  • Take a break
  • Report all injuries
  • Cess participation if injured
  • Apply heat or ice depending on the injury
  • Always stretch and exercise
  • See a physical therapist

If you or anyone you know is suffering from a women’s lacrosse injuries or plays lacrosse in Huntington, NY and needs tips and information on how to treat that injury, schedule an appointment at Island Sports Physical Therapy of Huntington at 631-462-9595 or visit our website, https://islandsportspt.com .

rotator cuff physical therapy

rotator cuff physical therapy

Physical Therapy in Huntington

The shoulder is an essential joint for sports players. Used in overhead reaching motions, the shoulder is most used in tennis, baseball, and swimming. What makes the associated movements possible is the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that keep your arm in your shoulder socket. The most infamous injury associated with the shoulder is the rotator cuff tear. This tear occurs when force is placed on the rotator cuff muscles to accelerate the arms, such as the front stroke in swimming, or pitching in baseball, and then suddenly decelerated. If you are looking for rotator cuff physical therapy in Huntington, East Northport, Nesconset, East Meadow, Glen Cove, and Coram, contact us today!

To get back to playing your sport you must follow the stages of recovery:

Acute

  • During this phase, the shoulder must be immobilized. In some cases, a sling is used. Usually, this injury will require rotator cuff physical therapy. A licensed physical therapist in Huntington at Island Sports Physical Therapy will use ultrasound and other techniques to help start the healing process. After properly icing the shoulder, a physical therapist will begin teaching you mobility exercises and strengthening exercises.

Recovery

  • Once your shoulder is operating at 3/4ths efficiency the recovery phase can begin. This phase focuses entirely on strengthening exercises that work the four main muscles in the rotator cuff. Exercises in this stage will focus on correcting the ranges of motion.

Functional

  • The functional phase is designed to facilitate your return to athletic competition and involves exercises designed to increase explosiveness and regain coordination. For a baseball player, these exercises will involve throwing light/small balls. Eventually, the exercises will increase in intensity and involve real baseballs.

After your recovery phases have been completed you should get back into practice by completing your standard practices and make not of any shoulder pain experienced. If you experience no pain your Huntington physical therapist will clear you for official participation. If you are in search of rotator cuff physical therapy to facilitate your recovery, contact Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, East Northport, Nesconset, East Meadow, Glen Cove, and Coram today.

DEALING WITH AN ANKLE INJURY AS A SOCCER PLAYER

With soccer being a contact sport, players are at high risk of injuries involving strains and sprains to the lower extremities. Ankle sprains are the most common injury soccer players suffer from. Why? The uneven surface, sharp turns while running, collisions with other players and landing from a jump all contribute to the high risk of an ankle sprain. Are you seeking Ankle Injury Treatment in Huntington, NY? Contact Island Sports Physical Therapy today!

If you have suffered an ankle injury as a soccer player and live near East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Glen Cove, Coram, or East Meadow, our physical therapists at Island Sports Physical Therapy can help you recover!

5 exercises you can do to strengthen your ankle and prevent injury:

  • Ankle circles
  • Ankle alphabet
  • Calf raises
  • Shin raises
  • Single leg balance

Click to learn more about these exercises!

Our physical therapists in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Glen Cove, Coram, and East Meadow appreciate the importance of wearing proper soccer shoes. Players often choose too narrow of shoes because a tight shoe makes them feel more in control of the ball. Unfortunately, this is a direct cause of players’ ankle injuries. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we will measure your foot and give an expert recommendation on which size/style will be best for you.

When soccer players suffer from ankle injuries, the area will often swell and bruise at a fast rate. Icing the ankle will help to reduce inflammation and prevent further bruising. Treatments for ankle sprains due to soccer injuries often include the following:

  • Use of crutches for the first few days after injury
  • Taping the ankle
  • Wearing a compression boot
  • Wearing a soft cast

If the game you love has caused you to suffer a painful ankle sprain, give us a call at ISPT. In East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Glen Cove, Coram, and East Meadow, our physical therapists will help to heal your ankle and get you back in the game!

treatment for shoulder dislocation in Huntington, NY

Frequent Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder is among the most mobile joints in the human body.  The persistent utilization of this joint is common for athletes that play sports like baseball, volleyball, and swimming, which may cause dislocation. This is due to the constant wear and tear of ligaments and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.  At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we provide treatment for shoulder dislocation in Huntington, NY as well as across Long Island. Our physical therapists are located in Huntington, East Northport, Glen Cove, Nesconset, East Meadow, and Coram are here to create tailored shoulder dislocated physical therapy programs that will get you back on the court, in the pool, or on the field in no time!

What Are My Symptoms?

Once an athlete has dislocated their shoulder, the chances of it dislocating again increase, causing instability in the joint. The following symptoms of such instability include:

Treatment For Shoulder Dislocation in Huntington, NY

Depending on the severity of the injury, the average healing period for a dislocated shoulder is between 4 and 12 weeks. Our therapists will conduct a complete assessment in order to create a shoulder dislocated physical therapy program tailored to the specific needs that will help you get back in the game! Treatment for shoulder dislocation in Huntington, NY may include exercises that focus on:

  • Strength: After a dislocation injury, the muscles around the joint may be extremely weak. Depending on the severity of the injury, our therapists may incorporate certain exercises that will build up those weak muscles.
  • Range of Motion: Our therapists will take you through the motions as well as gently stretch you in order to help you gain back that range of motion.
  • Your Specific Sport: Our therapists will create exercises that are tailored to your specific sport which can help you regain comfortability with the motions.

Contact Us Today

Above all, it is important that you give your body a chance to rest once you’ve had a shoulder dislocation injury. Failure to do so will only prolong the healing process and cause the injury to recur. Our therapists at Island Sports Physical Therapy are dedicated to helping you heal and get you back to your top performance levels. Please visit us for shoulder dislocated physical therapy in Huntington, East Northport, Glen Cove, Nesconset, East Meadow, and Coram, or call us at 631-462-9595 today!

physical therapy in East Meadow

Knee Injury

The knee is a complex, large and major joint in the human body. It is composed of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The knee has a great responsibility for us as it is required to support the full body’s weight when standing, walking, and running, therefore it is to no surprise that many athletes experience knee injuries while playing sports.

Knee injuries vary in type as well as severity. Some common knee injuries that athletes can face include:

  • Patellar fracture
  • Patellar dislocation
  • ACL tear
  • PCL tear
  • Meniscal tear
  • Tendon tear
  • Ligament injuries

While these injuries may not be life-threatening, they can very well be life-altering if not treated properly or cared for immediately. When first injured, it is imperative that the athlete ceases activity and follows the RICE method immediately:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested that the injured athlete visits a medical professional immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor will suggest one of the following treatments:

  • Immobilization
  • Physical Therapy in East Meadow
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Surgery

In order to treat knee injuries, physical therapists induce a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, heat and ice therapy, stretches and exercises, ultrasound therapy, and electrical nerve or muscle stimulation. The goal of physical therapy in East Meadow for a knee injury is to strengthen the knee and the affected area and restore full mobility to the knee. Treatment duration depends on the severity of the case, but it is likely that the patient will be required to undergo a couple of sessions per week for about two months. The end goal is to restore the knee to full health, all the while avoiding the complications of surgical intervention.

At Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow, our therapists have the skills and knowledge necessary to fully heal your injured knee. If you’re looking for an experienced PT that will give you a personalized treatment plan and be with you every step of the way, look no further. Call us to schedule an appointment today and relieve your pain!

physical therapy in Nesconset

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce, or properly use insulin. When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood causing abnormally high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can affect anyone at any age and can cause many problems in one’s life. If you have Diabetes and are searching for ways to combat the effects it has had on your life, contact Island Sports Physical Therapy in Nesconset, Huntington, Glen Cove, East Northport, East Meadow, and Coram to see how we can help you today.

How Can Physical Therapy in Nesconset Help?

Physical therapy at Island Sports Physical Therapy in Nesconset can improve your ability to move, perform daily activities, reduce your pain, and possibly lower your blood glucose levels. Before starting physical activity, our specialists will conduct a complete assessment of your strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. This will help us design an individualized treatment program that addresses your specific problems and needs.

Motion. Our physical therapists will choose specific activities to help restore normal movement. These might begin with passive motions and eventually progress to active exercises that you are able to do yourself.

Flexibility. Our physical therapists will determine if any of your muscles are tight and will begin to help you gently stretch them while teaching you the stretches to do on your own.

Endurance. If you are suffering from weakness due to inactivity, we will teach you exercises to improve endurance, so that you can return to your normal activities.

Balance and coordination. Regaining your sense of balance and coordination is important in many aspects of life including preventing you from falling.

Walking. Our physical therapists can improve your walking ability and comfort by adjusting and refitting your shoes or by adding inserts. If you need a walker or cane, we will also teach you how to use support equipment.

Blood Glucose levels. Physical activity can help lower your blood glucose levels. An individualized exercise program designed for you can help control and lower your blood glucose levels each day.

There are many benefits to starting physical therapy for people who have Diabetes. At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Nesconset, Huntington, Glen Cove, East Northport, East Meadow, and Coram, we focus on each patient’s individual needs in order to help you heal and get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Call us at 631-462-9595 today!

Physical Therapy in Glen Cove

Physical Therapy in Glen Cove

Ways to get back in the game in time for School Sports

School sports season is right around the corner and there is a lot to look forward to! We at Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove are here with a friendly reminder to get you prepared for the first day of the season.

At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove, we want nothing more than for you to be in the best athletic shape possible when it finally does come time to race down the track, take to the court for a volleyball game, or assume your position on the football field. That is why we are proud to be offering complimentary back-to-school screenings to all student-athletes.

The most common sports injuries that affect student-athletes can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute sports injuries are blunt-force trauma injuries, which include:

  • Sprains
  • Strains  
  • Fractures
  • and Concussions

Chronic injuries are those that arise as a result of overuse, such as:

  • Swollen muscles
  • Ligament damage
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Shin splints

Our team of physical therapists will put their years of experience providing sport-specific care to patients in order to:

  • Assess your risk of injury while participating in school sports
  • Provide you with a customized exercise program that will help you get in shape for a specific sport
  • Provide you with tips on preventing injuries

School will be in session soon! Don’t miss out on your chance to prove yourself as a standout member of the team for any of your favorite fall sports. Visit us at Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove for your complimentary back-to-school screening today!

baseball physical therapy

Physical Therapy in East Northport

Sports related injuries are especially difficult for those who are aspiring to further their career in that sport. Any set back where the athlete is unable to play or practice their sport can be detrimental to their future career. Shoulder injuries in aspiring baseball players are important to treat immediately so the athlete is able to make a speedy recovery. Island Sports Physical Therapy located in East Northport, Huntington, Glen Cove, East Meadow, Nesconset, and Coram understands the importance of not only a quick recover as well as a fully healed and improved shoulder.

baseball physical therapy

Overhand throwing which is a large component of baseball places high amount of stress on the shoulder. Our baseball physical therapy in East Northport, Huntington, Glen Cove, East Meadow, Nesconset, and Coram, our physical therapists have found that specifically this stress targets the scapula, humerus, and clavicle. The tendons, joints, and muscles are also placed under a lot of stress due to the repetitive motion of overhand throwing and the follow through of the throw which can cause pain and discomfort. In baseball, pitching is the most common cause of shoulder injuries due to the nature of throwing as well as the speed and repetitiveness of the activity.

Shoulder fatigue is a common symptom in baseball players. Island Sports Physical Therapy has found that pitchers and baseball players, in general, can loosen the ligaments that attach the shoulder to the muscles. This causes the joint to lose its stability and this can ultimately cause a shoulder injury in the baseball player.

During our baseball physical therapy, we recommend that when an aspiring baseball player has a shoulder injury they should treat the injury with these tips:

  • Immediately cess the activity required
  • Ice the injury
  • Stretch the shoulder and perform shoulder exercises
  • See a physical therapist
  • Rest the injury
  • Surgery

Our baseball physical therapy uses specialized techniques to restore the shoulder, however, depending on the severity of the injury it may require surgery. If you are an aspiring baseball player and are suffering from a shoulder injury schedule an appointment at Island Sports Physical Therapy to ensure that you are able to get back in the game as soon as possible. Here at Island Sports Physical Therapy located in East Northport, Huntington, Glen Cove, East Meadow, Nesconset, and Coram, our patients are our main concern, and we want to help our patients with a fast and full recovery. To schedule an appointment please call 631-462-9595 or visit our website here.

Muscle Weakness & PT

Throughout our daily lives, we all randomly experience reduced power and tiredness. The reason being is potentially due to fatigue. While many people might overlook this factor, it typically is caused by muscle weakness. Muscle weakness occurs from reduced strength in one or more muscles. Pain regarding muscle weakness can range from mild to very severe. Island Sports Physical Therapy located in Huntington has a sufficient amount of experience in treating muscle weakness and is guaranteed to guide you on your way to a successful recovery.  

A few common causes of muscle weakness include:

  • Not using your muscles frequently. This is when fibers in your muscles turn into fat
  • Lack of physical activity, also known as a sedentary lifestyle
  • Aging
  • An unhealthy diet

However, muscle diseases, poisoning, metabolic disease, and neurologic diseases are also conditions that can cause and lead to muscle weakness.

Physical therapy is highly recommended when it comes to treating muscle weakness. With the help of professionals and their guidance, you will discover which treatment is best for you. Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington has a variety of physical therapists that have a knowledgeable understanding of how to treat muscle weakness.

Physical Therapy for muscle weakness can help:

  • Guide you on the correct daily exercises
  • Teach you ways to minimize the effects of muscle treatment
  • Strengthen your muscles
  • Develop an exercise program that meets your ability
  • Help you use your muscles correctly to avoid injury and allow you to move with less pain

It is essential that you learn the right steps in treating muscle weakness. Physical therapy will help teach you safe ideas on how to move, lift, and will also provide information regarding muscle weakness.

If you live in Huntington and are suffering from muscle weakness, Island Sports Physical Therapy will help accommodate your needs in order to reach your goal towards a safe recovery. With the help of our experts and their knowledge towards muscle weakness, we can guarantee that you will receive all the help you need. Please contact us today, we look forward to hearing from you!

Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease is an ailment that affects millions of Americans today. The disease involves narrowing arteries that lead to the legs, stomach, arms and the head. It is most commonly noted alongside pain of the legs, especially upon physical activity and bodily movements, even everyday activities such as simply walking. Similarly to coronary artery disease, this is caused by atherosclerosis.

Patients with peripheral artery disease most often experience:

  • Pain in the legs and/or hips
  • Cramping of the legs and/or hips
  • Tiredness in the legs and/or hips

These symptoms commonly fade upon periods of rest and return upon periods of physical motion. This is a serious condition that, if left untreated, could lead to amputation of the leg(s). Additionally, patients diagnosed with this condition have increased risks for developing coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke. Peripheral artery disease, however, can be easily controlled through lifestyle changes, medication and even services performed by a physical therapist.

One of the commonly used forms of treatment for peripheral artery disease is through exercise therapy as performed by a physical therapist. Therapy includes different sessions of the patient walking on a treadmill until the level of pain experienced by the patient is high. The patient is then instructed to rest until the pain decreases slightly. The patient repeats the process for about 30 minutes. After multiple sessions and visits, the time spent walking on the treadmill until high pain is reached should increase greatly, prompting the physical therapist to increase the speed of the treadmill for the following session. It has been found that more sessions on the treadmill per week have a better effect on the management of the pain caused by the disease. Essentially, controlled and supervised physical activity has been shown to ease the pains associated with peripheral artery disease.

At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we perform a variety of services ranging from sports injuries to geriatric rehabilitation. One of our exercise treatment plans is for patients suffering from pain, cramping or tiredness as a result of living with this condition. Licensed physical therapists at one of our six Long Island locations (Huntington, Glen Cove, East Meadow, East Northport, Coram and Nesconset) have the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to aid those living with peripheral artery disease. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit our website at www.islandsportspt.com.