So, you are playing a game of basketball or enjoying your morning jog when all of a sudden, you find yourself dropping to the ground. You grab your ankle. The pain is excruciating, and after a trip to the ER, you find out you will need sports rehabilitation for your injury. What should you expect?
Before your appointment, you may be feeling uneasy about what will happen. After all, you are already in a lot of pain and the thought of anyone messing with you is more than you can take. Don’t stress out. The first appointment is usually just an initial evaluation to determine an action plan for you. Don’t worry, you won’t be asked to run on any treadmills at this appointment. This is just the first step in your sports rehabilitation plan. If there are questions yo9u have, making a list of what they are beforehand I a good idea. That way you won’t forget them.
Although you may not be running on any treadmills, there may be things your physical therapist asks you to do to better assess your injury and sports rehabilitation plan. Here is a list of things to expect.
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Because you may be required to move around, you want to make sure your clothing isn’t tight. It is also important to wear a pair of shorts if your injury is on your hip or below. This will allow the physical therapist to get a good look at your injury. If you have a shoulder injury, it is more important to make sure your shirt is loose.
The Evaluation
The first thing you will do at your sports rehabilitation appointment will be to talk with your physical therapist so he or she can find out more about your injury. They will ask questions about your symptoms and how you are feeling. The physical therapist will explain more about your injury, and if you have any questions, he or she can answer them. They will also ask you questions to get to know you and what goals you may have for your sports rehabilitation.
The Examination
Depending on your condition, the physical therapist might evaluate your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, blood pressure, and heart and respiration rates. He or she may need to use his or her hands to check out the mobility of your joints, muscles, and other tissues.
Evaluation of your mobility
During your first sports rehab appointment, your physical therapist may also want to evaluate your movement. You may be asked to walk to see how the injury is affecting you. You may also be asked to get up from a chair or from a lying position. You also may be asked to bend or lift something to ensure he or she has a complete understanding of your injury.
Home and work environment
Your physical therapist may ask you about your home and work environment, your health habits and activities, and any hobbies you may do in order to get you back to the lifestyle you are accustomed to.
The game plan
You will design a game plan with your physical therapist as part of your sports rehabilitation. This will include and exercise plan, the goals you have for yourself, and help to improve or maintain your daily tasks. He or she will let you know of any special equipment you may need. You will be informed about how often you will need to come in for appointments, and it is important to keep those appointments to make sure that your sports rehabilitation continues.
Getting a sports injury can be scary, especially when you are not sure what to expect from sports rehabilitation. Talking and working with your physical therapist will help you to heal from your injury as much as possible. By not going to sports rehabilitation may cause permanent injuries that last a lifetime.
