Ligaments are made of very strong fibers that hold a joint in its correct position especially during movement and exercise. Ligaments have limited flexibility and therefore some or all of their fibers can tear if they are subjected to an excessive force. This injury is often referred to as a ligament ‘sprain’.
What causes ligament injuries?
Ligament injuries can have many causes, including falls and sudden twisting of joints or hits to joints that are common in sports like football, basketball and running.
What are the symptoms and effects of ligament injuries?
A torn ligament can be very painful. It usually causes localized swelling, heat and ultimately bruising. It may be too painful to weight bear through the affected joint and the joint may feel quite unstable. The sooner this injury is diagnosed and treated the more quickly and completely it will heal.
Physical therapy for ligament injuries
Physical therapy treatment at Leader Therapy will reduce swelling and pain, regain range of movement and strength and get you back to your everyday activities as quickly as possible.
Your physical therapist will initially assess the extent of your injury in order to develop a structured treatment program which may include:
- Ice and ultrasound in the initial stages to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness
- Advice about special support to protect the muscles and joints while your injury is healing
- Gentle massage to relieve pain and tension
- Stretching to lengthen tight muscles
- Joint mobilization to regain a full range of movement
- Muscle strengthening exercises
- Balance training
- Kinesio Taping
- Advice on injury prevention
Your treatment plan will be customized to you and constantly reviewed to ensure that you return to your optimal strength and flexibility. Our physical therapists take care to ensure that the affected ligaments regain strength throughout their full range of movement and that they are well controlled during exercise.
Physical therapy treatment will ensure you achieve your maximum potential and reduce the risk of the injury reoccurring.