A sports hernia is an injury of the thin soft tissue and tendons in the groin area. These strains or tears are caused by impact, stress, or sudden twisting of the localized area. As is inferred by the name, a sports hernia is exceedingly common in athletes who participate in high energy sports. Most often, this injury occurs in sports where players may suddenly twist their hips or remain in a bent or hunched forward positions frequently such as in hockey, football, wrestling, and soccer. Activities that may further aggravate a present injury can include bending forward, running, and excessive coughing. 

While an injury is never 100% preventable, seeking out the help of physical therapy in Huntington can offer you the right tools to work through one. At Island Sports Physical Therapy our team will not only help you recover from injuries, such as a sports hernia, but also teach you how to prevent re-injury of any sort.

Symptoms: 

Thankfully, the symptoms of a sports hernia are relatively consistent and will be easily treated with physical therapy in Huntington. Patients will be suffering from a vague yet chronic groin pain that is dull or burning in nature and is localized above the inguinal ligament. Though this injury is more common in males, who will suffer from additional pain in the testicle, women can suffer from this injury with only that vague feeling. If these symptoms sound familiar to you, contact us for physical therapy in Huntington so that we might help you with your injury.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a sports hernia is determined by your physical prowess and severity of the injury. Your doctor will usually order an MRI scan to determine a diagnosis of a sports hernia. You may also be asked to partake in possibly painful movements to rule out other possibilities. As this injury is severe, many cases may progress to surgery should the injury not resolve itself with time. 

Treatment: 

Physical therapy in Huntington is the first step to avoiding a costly and invasive surgical procedure. Our physical therapists will work with you to create a personalized plan to improve strength within your inner thigh and abdominal muscles and work to maintain the same amounts of flexibility present pre-injury. Since a sports hernia can be devastating to an athlete, partaking in physical therapy in Huntington is the only way to recover the torn muscles of the groin area to the strength required of them without further aggravating or re-injuring the area. If the injury is severe enough to require surgery, whether by, traditional incision or endoscopy, your doctor will prescribe a physical rehabilitation plan for recovery. Our sports specific and general rehabilitation programs will be key to regaining ability post-surgery.

If you are interested in physical therapy in Huntington for sports hernia treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our six Long Island locations.

National Fall Prevention Day

Ironically occurring during the fall, National Fall Prevention Day occurs on the first day of the fall season; this year being September 23. Initially falls and slips may not seem like a pressing issue, but as we age, they can become detrimental to our health. Being able to educate yourself on the primary stimulants for slipping and falling in people, as well as prevention tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have recently sustained an injury from a fall and are seeking treatment, physical therapy in Huntington can be a huge help here at Island Sports Physical Therapy. 

Why are we more likely to fall as we get older?

As we get older, we become more susceptible to falls and the risk of injury. While falls can happen by accident, it is important to remember that they often can be a common symptom or side effect of many health issues that come along with older age as well. These issues may include some of the following:

• Chronic health conditions
  • For example, people who suffer from heart disease, dementia, or low blood pressure often experience side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting spells which can at times lead to a fall. 
• Weak muscles 
• Poor vision 
• Suffering from an illness that affects your balance
  • For example, labyrinthitis. 

Other causes: 

Aside from ordinary aging, or suffering from a medical condition, falls can unexpectedly occur just by going about your day-to-day business. These occurrences may include the following instances: 

• Walking on a wet or recently polished floor. 
• Being in a room with poor or dim lighting.
• Rugs or carpets that are not properly secured or laid out on the ground.
• Reaching up in high places that require you to jump or stand up on something.
• Walking up or down the stairs.

Safety Tips: 

While National Fall Prevention awareness is celebrated only once a year, it is vital that you keep spreading the message to friends and loved ones. One of the ways we can do so is informing ourselves and others on prevention. Some safety tips that can help you prevent future falls include the following:

• Regularly visiting your doctor – While visiting your primary care physician can help, you could also benefit from receiving physical therapy in Huntington. A physical therapist can help incorporate a fall prevention plan into your life and work towards ensuring a safer and healthier lifestyle at home or on the go.
• Staying Active – Gentle exercises, such as walking or water workouts, can help keep you moving and feeling comfortable.
• Wear more sensible shoes
• Check your home for hazards – This can include removing clutter, securing loose rugs, repairing loose flooring or broken furniture, make sure to clean up any spilled food or liquids as soon as possible, and purchasing non-slip mats for your bathroom or kitchen.
• Make sure your home has sufficient lighting 
• Use assistive devices – This can be as simple as using the handrails while walking up or down the stairs or even adding a bar to your shower so you have something to hold onto while moving around.

How can Physical Therapy in Huntington help?

At Island Sports Physical Therapy in Huntington, we have a variety of services, including geriatric rehabilitation, that can help work towards preventing falls. When you meet with one of our physical therapists they will work towards creating an exercise program that is conducive for you and will help limit your risk of falling. If you would like to learn more, schedule an appointment with us today!