Learn why ligament tears happen and how physical therapy is a long-term solution
If you’re a past or current athlete, you may be familiar with ligament tears. These painful injuries can take you out of practice until you fully recover, which is why our licensed therapists at The Fitness LAB are here to help you heal as quickly as possible!
Whether you had surgery to repair a torn ligament or are faced with symptoms from the injury, we have the tools to fully recover and get back in the game safely and comfortably. To make an appointment, give us a call today!
What causes a ligament to tear?
Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that hold a joint together or connect two bones. The most common places for ligament injuries to occur are the knees, ankles, and feet.
Common causes of ligament tears are twisting of the body parts or rough landings. These types of injuries typically happen when ligaments encounter trauma while they’re fully stretched. Ligament tears are often seen in sports such as track and field, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.
Symptoms of a ligament tear
There are several signs that a torn ligament has occurred, including:
- Snapping, popping or a cracking sound when the injury occurs
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve within 24 to 72 hours
- Swelling that doesn’t improve within 24 to 72 hours
- Visible bruising
- Restricted movement/range of motion
- Inability to put weight or pressure on the affected joint
- Symptoms that get worse, not better
During treatment, your sports therapist will address all of your symptoms and more importantly, resolve them! It’s essential that you share all symptoms with your physical therapist as well as how the injury affects your daily life. By understanding your injury completely, your therapist can prescribe exercises that specifically target your pain.
How physical therapy can help
After a ligament tear, physical therapy can aid in the healing process. By properly training joints and muscles, PTs can restore functionality and reduce symptoms without the use of medication. In many cases, physical therapy can help patients avoid invasive surgery by taking the proper steps to healing.
A few factors will affect how long it takes you to recover from a ligament tear, such as your condition before the injury, the seriousness of the injury, and how dedicated you are to your physical therapy sessions.
Our physical therapists at The Fitness LAB are eager to help you thrive in recovery and return to the activities you love. Through evidence-based strengthening and healing exercises, you can participate in athletics performance as soon as possible.
What to expect during treatment
Using what they’ve learned through a comprehensive exam, your physical therapist will design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. During your initial consultation, they will discuss your recovery goals and strategize ways to achieve them. Examples of recovery goals could include pain reduction, improved strength, restoring function, and preventing of future injuries.
PTs treat patients with a ligament tear using manual (hands-on) exercises, targeted exercises, strengthening activities, and various modalities. Your treatment program may include the following:
- Bracing or splinting: Helps to limit the amount of movement and decrease stress that the joint is experiencing.
- Massage therapy: Increases circulation, which works to decrease swelling. Massage therapy is also a great way to relieve muscle tension and soft tissue pain.
- Heat therapy: Once the swelling has been reduced, heat therapy can help increase blood flow to the area and aid recovery.
- Ultrasound therapy: According to studies, ultrasound therapy can improve some structural properties, decrease the risk of re-injury, and promote quicker healing.
- Electrical stimulation: Uses electrodes to facilitate neural activation deficits following injury and surgery.
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): Another pain relief method involves using a mild electrical current.
- Exercises: Typically, this will be stretching and strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, balance exercises, and prescribed at-home movement.
The treatment plan for a ligament tear will depend on the location and severity of the tear, as well as other factors like your age and general health. If you’ve had surgery, physical therapy is an imperative part of rehabiliation.
Kick-start recovery at The Fitness LAB today
Are you tired of dealing with the pain and limitations from a ligament tear? We understand the challenges of this injury, and our team is ready to help you recover swiftly and safely.
If you’ve suffered from a ligament tear or similar symptoms, don’t wait to call us at The Fitness LAB today!
