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.
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!
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:
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder giving out or a feeling of instability
- Limited motion of the shoulder
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!