Get Relief for Your Sports Injury and Get Back in the Game

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Get Relief for Your Sports Injury and

Get Back in the Game!

October Newsletter

Thomas was an avid high school soccer player with dreams of making it to the college level. He trained hard and played even harder, but one misstep during a match changed everything. As he lunged for the ball, he felt a sharp pain in his ankle and crumpled to the ground. The diagnosis was quick but disheartening: an ankle sprain.

Fortunately, at PacificPro Physical Therapy our therapists are skilled at identifying and treating all types of sports injuries. Our therapists will conduct a whole-body assessment to ensure we identify all the factors that may impact recovery and design our programs tailored to the individual.

Give us a call today to learn more about our programs and set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists!

Identifying an Ankle Sprain

At first, Thomas didn’t know the severity of his injury. Like many, he thought he could just ‘walk it off.’ However, the key signs were there:

Pain
Swelling
Difficulty putting weight on the foot

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. When Thomas landed awkwardly, he twisted his ankle in the process. Although ankle sprains are common in sports and often ignored, getting proper care is critical to quick recovery and reducing the risk of future injuries.

Unfortunately, too often, athletes don’t want to miss out on competing and “play through” injuries. Ankle sprains, in particular, are susceptible to recurrent sprains, especially when not properly rehabilitated.

The Road to Recovery

Thomas’s journey to recovery began with a visit to PacificPro Physical Therapy. He was evaluated by one of our skilled physical therapists and given guidance on how to recover quickly and get back into the game!

Initial Steps

Initially, Thomas’s therapy focused on reducing his pain, eliminating his swelling, and restoring his mobility. This involved:

M.I.C.E (Move, Ice, Compression, Elevation): This simple method is crucial in the early stages of an ankle sprain. Thomas learned to keep moving his ankle, apply ice to reduce pain and use compression with elevation to reduce the swelling.

Building Strength and Stability

Once the swelling reduced, Thomas’s therapy shifted gears towards rebuilding strength and stability. This phase included:

Strengthening Exercises: Thomas worked on exercises to strengthen the muscles around his ankle. These included toe raises and resistance band exercises.
Balance Training: To regain stability, Thomas practiced balancing exercises. This was crucial to prevent future sprains.

Regaining Functionality

The final phase of Thomas’s therapy centered on getting him back to his pre-injury level and back on the field. This involved:

Functional Training: Thomas gradually returned to activities that mimicked soccer movements.
Sport-Specific Drills: As he regained strength, sport-specific exercises were introduced to prepare him for returning to soccer.

Through his recovery, Thomas also learned how to perform sport-specific warm-ups, the importance of sleep, and regular conditioning to prevent injuries.

Embrace The Recovery Blueprint and Get Back in Action!

Thomas’s story is a reminder of the importance of addressing sports injuries with the guidance from our team at PacificPro Physical Therapy. Take the first step in healing your ankle sprain and returning to the sport you love by calling today to schedule an appointment!

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Our Patients Get Great Results

”I wouldn’t be where I am today without physical therapy treatment given to me from May to August 2024 at PacificPro Corona. I express my deepest gratitude to Rujuta Shah and her entire team for all that they have done for me. So many times your advice and encouragement have lifted me out of stress. Thank you for taking time to explain things and to include my wishes in the plan of care.

Rujuta Jee! You have demonstrated a remarkable ability in conducting initial assessment and diagnosis for implementation of treatment plans and rehabilitation in my case. Besides, I appreciate the efforts of your staff members as they were flexible, while still adhering to a code of ethics.

Helping patients regain strength and mobility, and return to productive life, is a great service to humanity. ” According to Albert Einstein, ‘Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.’ This quote resonates with the idea that true fulfillment comes from serving others and making a positive impact on the world. Best wishes.”

– Mazhar P. — Corona clinic

Staff Spotlight

Rujuta Shah, PT, OCS

Rujuta has been a physical therapist since 2012 and worked in different settings including acute care, sub-acute, and outpatient clinics for the last 6 years. Growing up in India, she was always inclined to help people and make a difference in their lives. Choosing Physical therapy as a profession was an easy decision for this reason along with her love for better understanding of the human body and its function. Seeing her patients recover from their injuries and helping them return to the activities they love to do gives her immense satisfaction.

After finishing her Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy, she moved to the United States for a Masters in Exercise Science. Her drive to learn more and further enhance her orthopedic skills led her to pursue the specialty. After completing a yearlong orthopedic seminar series she took/passed the Orthopaedic Clinical Specialty exam in 2020 and became a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist.

In her free time Rujuta enjoys spending time with her husband and her 2 kids, running, traveling and watching Bollywood movies!

Why PacificPro Physical Therapy is the Key to Full Recovery After a Sports Injury

When recovering from a sports injury, time is of the essence, and seeing a physical therapist as soon as possible can be the pivotal factor that leads to a complete and successful rehabilitation. While many may consider these injuries a mere inconvenience, they can have long-lasting consequences if not treated properly from the start.

Here’s some of the common problems with waiting to see one of our physical therapists after a sports injury:

• Incomplete Healing: Ligaments and tissues may never regain their full strength and stability, leaving you vulnerable to further injuries. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more challenging it becomes to recover fully.

• Poor Rehabilitation: Inadequate or improper rehabilitation is a common pitfall that leads to recurrent injuries. Without proper rehabilitation, you risk weakening the supporting structures, setting the stage for another injury.

• Return to Activity Too Soon: One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is rushing back into physical activities or sports before a full recovery. It’s understandable to be eager to return to the game, but a premature return can lead to re-injury. Our physical therapists will guide you on when it’s safe to resume your activities, ensuring you don’t jeopardize your progress.

Your Road to Recovery Begins Now — Take Action Today!

When it comes to sports injuries, early intervention by one of our physical therapists is not just a wise choice — it’s a game-changer. Their expertise and guidance can make all the difference between a complete recovery and a cycle of recurrent injuries.

Don’t let an injury hold you back; call PacificPro Physical Therapy today. Your future self will thank you!

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Essential Exercises

Seated Bilateral Eversion With Resistance Band

Start by sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor. Loop a band around both feet right on your arches. Spread your feet until there is tension. Slowly rotate your ankles outward against the band. 10 reps, 3 sets.

Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe

Beet and Apple Salad

This vibrant Beet and Apple Salad features roasted beets tossed with a tangy mustard-vinegar dressing, fresh apples, and crunchy pistachios for a flavorful and colorful dish.

Preheat the oven to 375°. In a baking dish, lightly drizzle the beets and thyme with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and roast until the beets are tender, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Let cool, then peel the beets and cut them into 3/4-inch dice.

In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of oil until emulsified. Add the horseradish and season with salt and pepper; toss with the beets and apples. Transfer the beets to a platter, top with pistachios and serve.

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beet-and-apple-salad. PHOTO: © DAVID MALOSH