Body Conditioning On Long Island
Lacrosse season is right around the corner and it’s not too late to get in shape. Lacrosse is a very physically demanding sport and having your body in the right shape is important if you want to be playing at your best. At Island Sports Physical Therapy we offer body conditioning for lacrosse on Long Island. Our physical therapists can offer their expertise to help you get in shape and stay in shape for this lacrosse season.
Here’s how body conditioning can help your game:
- Improving your speed: by doing drills and exercises provided by your physical therapist. Improving your speed and acceleration will not only help you stay healthy and in shape but also will translate to on-field success.
- Core strength: utilizing exercises like sit-ups, planks, and crunches will help your overall core strength. Core strength will help improve your balance, stability, and accuracy of passing and shooting on the field.
- Plyometrics: Plyometric exercises can help you improve your strength and explosiveness. Strength and explosiveness are two key elements of lacrosse, getting stronger and faster will help you become a better player on and off the field, which will help you stay healthy and injury-free.
All of these techniques and exercises will help you get in shape and become a better player during the season. Island Sports Physical Therapy offers body conditioning for lacrosse on Long Island to help you perform at your highest level.
Lacrosse is a very physical game and to play the game you need to be in good physical shape in order to play at your best. If you are looking for body conditioning for lacrosse on Long Island, we at Island Sports Physical Therapy can help you by offering our expert services to get you in shape for the season and keep you going during the season.
Physical Therapy in Glen Cove
Spring is right around the corner and if you or your child participates in spring sports, it is important to be physically prepared. At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove, we offer fitness programming for all kinds of spring sports, including baseball, softball, and lacrosse, to prepare you physically for the season.
As you get back in the swing of things, it is important to remember is to start off slowly, especially if you have neglected to maintain your conditioning schedule these past few months Whether it is gradually increasing your speed on the treadmill each day or lifting heavier weights each week, the more you ease into it, the better. If you try and work too hard too soon, you are putting yourself at greater risk for injury. A common injury is muscle soreness due to overactivity. Should this happen to you, remember the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevate) method.
Also, whatever sport you or your kid plays, be wary of concussions, as these can happen in any sport. Important to note for children or young adults, the brain does not stop growing until age 25 increasing susceptibility to a concussion injury. Concussions can be very serious and often lead to more severe issues later in life. Should a concussion occur, listen to your doctor regarding how much time is needed for the injury to heal. As this can vary from person to person, taking precaution is always important.
At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove, we can give you a physical evaluation, to make sure that you or your child is physically prepared for your favorite athletic activity. Depending on your initial condition, we can provide you with a fitness plan suitable for your needs and goals. Contact us today!
Athlete’s Arthritis
While arthritis is a condition most of us have heard of, it’s not something that we completely understand. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and it’s responsible for both joint pain and joint disease. Also, contrary to popular belief, arthritis can affect people of all ages, not just individuals who are older. Those who are especially vulnerable to arthritis are athletes, who are constantly putting wear and tear on their bodies. Researchers have seen that the risk of having hip or knee arthritis is 85 percent more likely in athletes. Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow, East Northport, Huntington, Coram, Smithtown, and Glen Cove, can provide the best possible treatment for anyone suffering from arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is something that affects many current and former athletes. Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage between your joints slowly breaks down, resulting in friction between your bones which results in swelling, stiffness, and pain. Because of high-impact pressure on joints from sports like basketball or football, your body is being put at risk. Island Sports Physical Therapy has the staff and resources available to treat any injury you get.
How to Treat Arthritis
The first step to treating any symptoms of arthritis is to get the best care possible. Physical therapy in East Meadow is a great way to recover from any joint pain you may have and can prevent any future discomfort from occurring. Here are some ways physical therapists can treat your arthritis:
- Posture – physical therapists can teach you the best body mechanics and proper posture for pain relief and improved function for daily activities.
- Treatment Options – splints and braces to support weak joints have the ability to reduce the stress that may be put on your body. Other treatments like hot and cold therapy can also help ease stiffness and joint discomfort.
- Environment – changing your living arrangement can certainly help in a recovery process. Ergonomic chairs can provide excellent support for your body and relieve back and hip pain.
- Exercise – aside from improving muscle strength, exercise can also reduce pain and improve blood circulation. Losing any excess weight can also result in less stress put on the joints. In fact, a recent study found that losing a pound can be the equivalent of nearly four pounds of pressure off the knee.
- Proper Resting – with proper exercise, allowing yourself to get enough rest is important in treating arthritis. Long periods of rest can result in tight joints. Scheduling periods of rest can help you avoid stiffness, while also averting the possibility of overworking your joints.
Treatment as soon as possible can make the recovery process for treating arthritis more successful. While rehabilitation may be difficult, it will allow you to do the things you love without having to worry about chronic pain. Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow can help athletes and people of all ages improve their lives and treat their arthritic pain. Contact us today.
Tommy John Surgery
Have you ever heard of Tommy John Surgery? If so, you probably know that Tommy John Surgery (TJS) is extremely common among athletes- specifically baseball pitchers. TJS involves the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a tendon from somewhere in the patient’s body to replace the injured ligament in the elbow.
When the ligament has acquired too many tears over time, pain and instability develop within the joint- sometimes requiring what is called “Tommy John Surgery.”
Rehabilitation of this area can be done with a physical therapist. If you’re looking for a great PT to help deal with the aftermath of TJS, contact us at Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow or any of our other locations.
What should I expect after surgery?
The entire rehabilitation process will most likely take up to one year– possibly longer.
Some TJS procedures follow a three-phase rehabilitation which includes:
Phase 1
(Immediately following surgery)
- Your elbow will be immobilized in a brace positioned at a 60 to 90-degree angle for about 1-2 weeks following your surgery.
- Your doctor and physical therapist might recommend that you begin rehab by doing range-of-motion exercises.
- Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow and all of our other locations offer sports specific rehabilitation and training.
Phase 2
(After the first 1-2 weeks)
- A range of motion is the primary focus of physical therapy at this point.
- You may wear an arm sling for comfort, or a hinged brace.
Phase 3
(The end of the first month following surgery)
- About 6 weeks post-operation, you may be advised to begin strengthening exercises.
- You may be able to fully extend your elbow.
At Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow and all of our other locations as well, we provide sports specific therapy including specific sports training to get you back to playing your sport following your Tommy John Surgery. The goal of TJS is to ultimately restore function without pain, increase a range of motion and stability, and prevent further damage to the elbow joint. If you or someone you know recently had Tommy John Surgery, please contact us here to make an appointment with one of our physical therapists to begin the rehabilitation process.
Physical Therapy in Glen Cove
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Prepare your home – activities including cleaning out gutters and roof leaks, insulating water lines and other options can ensure your home is warm and safe. Along with this, checking your heating system, fireplace and carbon monoxide alarms are also important for a safe winter.
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Outdoor precautions – the most important thing to realize when doing an arduous activity, like shoveling or working on icy platforms, is to work slowly. Working too hard can result in stressing muscles or slipping and seriously injuring yourself. When working, it’s important to always carry your cell phone and to bring an emergency kit.
National Physical Therapy Month
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and Island Sports Physical Therapy in Glen Cove is getting itself prepared for an important fall season. With many autumn sports occurring as of late, and the changing weather patterns, people may be more prone to injuries and falls. If you or your child has suffered an injury, you may think the first thing to do is to try painkillers in order to heal the pain. The physical therapists at Island Sports Physical Therapy are here to tell you why you should choose physical therapy, instead of turning to painkillers. Continue reading National Physical Therapy Month
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, our physical therapists in our many locations including Huntington, East Northport, Glen Cove, Nesconset, East Meadow, and Coram are here to create tailored rehabilitation 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 an instability in the joint. The following symptoms of such instability include:
Treatment With Physical Therapy 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 physical therapists in Huntington, NY will conduct a complete assessment in order to create a program tailored to the specific needs that will help you get back in the game! These programs 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.
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 physical therapists in Huntington, NY at Island Sports Physical Therapy are dedicated to helping you heal and get you back to your top performance levels. Please visit us at our many locations in Huntington, East Northport, Glen Cove, Nesconset, East Meadow, and Coram or call us at 631-462-9595 today!
Recovering from ACL surgery
An ACL tear happens when the knee experiences sudden twists or changes in direction. People who play high-impact sports are especially susceptible to ACL tears. These sports include but are not limited to soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, etc. When an ACL is torn, there is typically a popping sound, swelling, and pain.
ACL surgery typically features a graft that involves taking a ligament from another part of the body to replace the torn ACL. Recovery from an ACL tear can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The help of a physical therapist is crucial to the success of your recovery. Island Sports Physical Therapy has offices all over Long Island in East Northport, Huntington, Nesconset, Coram, East Meadow and Glen Cove. They specialize in sports specific therapy and are more than capable of helping you return to playing soccer after ACL surgery.
ACL surgery recovery features:
- Right after the surgery, you should immobilize your knee to aid the healing process.
- After surgery, you should use ice to reduce swelling of the knee.
- Gradually placing weight on the knee with or without the aid of a knee brace or crutches.
- Your physical therapist will then help you achieve full range of motion with the recovering knee.
- Muscle strengthening exercises will be incorporated into your recovery to help regain strength lost during the immobilization phase.
- The later stages of recovery involve advanced strengthening techniques, advanced cardio exercises, and balance/stability exercises to strengthen the new ACL.
Even though a physical therapist is crucial to your ACL tear recovery, misinterpreting their advice or pushing yourself too fast can do more harm than good. In fact, it can make your recovery longer as well as lead to additional surgeries.
Contact us!
If you’ve had ACL surgery and wish to have a speedy recovery to be able to return to soccer contact one of Island Sports Physical Therapy’s Long Island offices today!
Tips to reduce the risk of injury this fall sports season
Fall season is back and Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, NY wants to ensure you stay as healthy as can be all throughout! Everyone is excited to be playing their favorite seasonal sports such as soccer, football, volleyball, and field hockey. While getting ready to get back on the field it’s important that we also build awareness to the importance of injury prevention.
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Take time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week and at least one month off per year from training so the body can recover. If your body is feeling weak, take yourself out of the game.
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Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will prevent all injuries while performing more dangerous or risky activities.
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Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice to strengthen the muscles used in play. Strong muscles can handle injuries better.
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Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan.
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Use the proper technique. This should be consistent with your training during the playing season.
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Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness.
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Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football), and checking (in hockey) should be enforced.
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Do not play through pain. It will only make the potential injury worse.
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Avoid heat illness by drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise or play. Decrease or stop practices during extreme temperatures, wear light clothing.
Men’s Lacrosse Injuries
Lacrosse is America’s fastest-growing sport, in the past decade, high school lacrosse has exploded. The sport has four major versions that have different sticks, fields, rules, and equipment: men’s field lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, box lacrosse, and intercrossed.
Although lacrosse is growing at a rapid speed, it also comes with a lot of potential injuries. Due to the different rules between the men and women, it is important to understand how injuries can occur in both versions. Lacrosse injuries are also more common in males because it’s a contact sport. The women’s game does not allow body contact but does allow the stick to stick contact.
Common Lacrosse injuries include:
- Ankle Sprain
- Head and face contusion
- Concussion
- Knee sprain (ACL, MCL)
- Wrist fracture
- Hip flexor strain
- Low back pain
- Shoulder separations
- Shoulder subluxations
- Quadriceps strains
Overall, lacrosse is a moderate risk sport in which the vast majority of injuries can be corrected by a physical therapist. That being said, a number of common injuries do occur in both men’s and women’s lacrosse as a result of contact with a player, another stick, or the ball.
Some ways to prevent injuries are, wear the right equipment, know the rules of the game, take a break, and report all injuries. Also stay in shape all year round and warm up properly by thoroughly stretching and gradually increasing the intensity of the workouts.
With any injury, participation should be stopped until an assessment is made by a qualified health professional. For athletes who have experienced a sports-related injury such as lacrosse, Island Sports Physical Therapy will help to speed up recovery and restore function. So the player is ready to get back in the game.
At Island Sports Physical Therapy we believe that patients need to coincide with their physical therapy and treatment.