Posted on

Sports Injuries: Your Path to Recovery with Orthopedic Care

Athletic woman sitting on the ground outdoors, holding her knee and appearing contemplative. Text reads: Sports Injuries and Your Recovery Path. Explore the journey to recovery from common sports injuries with orthopedic care. Monadnock Community Hospital logo at the bottom.

Dr Shawn P Harrington

Recovering from a sports injury can be a challenging journey, but with the right approach and care, athletes can return to their peak performance. This blog highlights the key steps in the recovery process for common sports injuries and the role of orthopedic care in ensuring a successful rehabilitation.

What are Some Common Sports Injuries?

  • Ankle Sprains: Caused by overstretching or tearing of ligaments, leading to pain and swelling. Often there is an incident and known ‘injury’ but you may need a Pro to look at your ankle if you can’t weight bear or if there is significant bone tenderness and bruising.
  • ACL Tears: A tear of a major knee stabilizing ligament, common in sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, jump landing and contact. The knee will be swollen, feel untrustworthy and unstable.
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Injuries to the shoulder’s rotator cuff muscles and tendons, often seen in sports requiring overhead motions can occur gradually due to misuse, poor technique and repetitive trauma. Pain at rest is significantly worse with overhead reaching or holding weight away from the body.

Anatomical illustration of a rotator cuff tear. Shows a close-up of a torn tendon separating from the bone in the shoulder joint. Includes labeled diagrams of the shoulder from posterior (back) and anterior (front) views, highlighting the clavicle, scapula, humerus, and rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularisAnatomical illustration of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Displays a knee joint with the femur, fibula, and tibia bones. Highlights the ACL tear in the knee, along with labeled ligaments: posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament. Features a magnified view of the torn ACL

What are Steps to Recovery from Common Sports Injuries?

  • Immediate Care: Stop the activity. Apply the PRICE method (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce swelling and pain immediately after an injury. Immediate care can last hours to many days.
  • Medical Evaluation: Seek a specialty evaluation to diagnose the injury and develop a treatment plan. If needed X-rays may be performed and a targeted physical exam can often diagnose the problem quickly.
  • Rehabilitation: Engage in a structured rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, massage, bracing, home exercises, to restore strength and flexibility.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Return to activity gradually, following your clinician’s recommendations, and take it slow. Don’t fall into the trap of too much, too soon.

Orthopedic Care and Rehabilitation:

At Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates, we offer comprehensive care for sports injuries, from initial diagnosis to complete rehabilitation. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you recover fully and get back to your favorite activities.

Sports injuries don’t have to sideline you permanently. With the right care and commitment to your recovery plan, you can return to your sport stronger than ever. Contact us today to learn more about our orthopedic services for athletes.

Sports-Specific Movement Training and Outdoor Physical Therapy:

outdoor physical therapy space green turf with MCH logo in center

Our rehabilitation department at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates offers specialized sports-specific movement training designed to enhance athletic performance and minimize injury risks for young athletes. In our state-of-the-art outdoor physical therapy space, athletes can practice movements that closely mimic their sport, helping to build essential skills such as strength, flexibility, and coordination.

By simulating real-life sports scenarios, our facility provides a dynamic and engaging environment that supports comprehensive recovery and performance enhancement. This innovative approach is key in preventing injuries and ensuring that young athletes develop the physical capabilities needed to succeed.

Supporting young athletes with appropriate orthopedic care is vital for their growth and success in sports. Our team is committed to providing expert pediatric orthopedic services to keep your child healthy and active. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your child’s athletic journey.

Stay well,

Dr. Shawn P. Harrington, MD, FAAPMR

Dr Shawn P Harrington

Graphic titled 'Sports Injuries: Recovery Path' with the Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates logo at the top. The graphic lists key points: Ankle Sprains, ACL Tears, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Immediate Care: PRICE Method, Medical Evaluation, Rehabilitation Program, Gradual Return to Activity. The background shows a forest canopy, with a web address Blog.MonadnockOrtho.org and hashtag #MCHOrtho at the bottom

Why Choose Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates?

Our board-certified specialists combine decades of experience with training from prestigious institutions like the Mayo Clinic. We offer comprehensive orthopedic care using advanced techniques and technology, all while providing personalized attention. At Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates, we’re committed to getting you back to pain-free living as quickly as possible with expert, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Choose us for expert care that’s close to home, where your well-being is our highest priority.

Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates

Monadnock Community Hospital
Bond Wellness Center Suite 200
458 Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603-924-2144
Fax: 603-924-3993