The Importance of Treating Recurring Injuries

Once you’ve had an injury, it’s easy to get injured in the same spot again and again. This is particularly true for athletes and children who may not be as cautious with their weak spots as an adult. Further exacerbating old injuries can cause more hardship than the original injury.  However, there are some tricks that can be done to help treat and prevent recurring injuries with physical therapy. Don’t let these injuries follow you into the new year!

Even seemingly small injuries can turn into large ones if they are not addressed. It can lead to a chronic injury that is difficult, if not impossible to heal. 

The most common recurring injuries are: 

• Tendonitis
• Shin Splints
• Tennis Elbow
• Ligament Strains
• Muscle Sprains

These may be just small discomforts at first, but they can become major at the next point of injury. Some ideas that you can put into action now are:

• Strengthening surrounding muscles. For injuries like tendonitis in the knee, strengthening the thighs and glutes will help to alleviate the pressure on the joint. 
• Stretch your whole body before movement. Stretching is always a good practice before any movement to prevent injury. The same is true for recurring injuries. Making sure the previously injured area is ready for fluid movements will help it to be protected and less painful.
• Determine the cause. Sometimes the cause of an injury may not be obvious if you weren’t in extreme pain. Go over the potential causes with your doctor. They can make recommendations and suggestions for treatment like physical therapy. 
• Avoid the Triggers. As difficult as it may be, it’s important to give the injury time to heal completely and to avoid movements that can impair full healing. Consult your PT for alternatives. 

Say no to dealing with these injuries for the next year by choosing wise movements! Visit NARA to learn more ways to help recover from injuries.