One of the most effective ways of looking after your health and remaining fit is working out at the gym. As beneficial as working out in a gym is, there is always a chance that you will suffer an injury due to poor technique or an accident. While it can happen to anyone, physiotherapy can be a good method for recovering and returning to your regular exercise routine. According to Forbes, when you exercise too hard or over-exercise, you become vulnerable to ‘overuse syndrome‘. It may be responsible for increasing injury risks to your ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Some Common Injuries You Can Get at the Gym
Strains and sprains: A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon, while a ligament injury is a sprain. You can get both these injuries in the gym if you stretch too much or use the wrong technique since it can result in a muscle tear. Pain, swelling, and limited movement of the affected area are typical symptoms.
Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Overloading or overusing a tendon can result in becoming inflamed and painful. Typical areas affected are knees, wrists, elbows, and ankles.
Bursitis: An inflammation of the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs protecting the joints, can happen due to overuse or trauma. Common areas affected include the elbow, knee, hip, and shoulder.
Rotator cuff injuries: These are a group of muscles and tendons attaching the upper arm bone to the shoulder. Strains and tears can happen, resulting in pain and restrictions in mobility due to trauma or repetitive overhead motions.
Shin Splints: These injuries can happen when your shin tendons and muscles are inflamed, resulting in injury.
Herniated Disc: This issue takes place when the jelly-like soft tissue found in a spinal disc leak, causing stress on the surrounding nerves and resulting in weakness, numbness, and pain. This injury may occur due to trauma or lifting heavy weights.
Physiotherapy Treatments
While working out, whenever you experience pain or are injured, you must seek professional assistance from a qualified and experienced physical therapist. Follow the map
Some effective physiotherapy treatments:
- Cold & heat treatment has the ability to reduce swelling and pain. You may alternate between warm and cold compresses.
- Electrical modalities such as ultrasound therapy, TENS, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, etc., may assist in reducing inflammation and pain associated with the affected area.
- Taping and bracing are effective in supporting and stabilizing the area affected, and they can minimize the risk of any more injuries.
- Strengthening exercises are best for rebuilding endurance and strength in the joints and muscles affected. They help you return to your regular workout regimen.
- Massage therapy is effective in reducing stiffness and alleviating pain by boosting circulation and enhancing blood flow to the affected region.
- Range of motion workouts is excellent for boosting mobility and flexibility in the region affected, facilitating the resumption of normal functioning.
Conclusion
It is common to experience workout or gym injuries. However, you can prevent these injuries with adequate warm-up, perfect form, technique, and proper stretching. It is essential to seek assistance and guidance from a qualified physiotherapist to manage the pain and the issues associated with the injury. Pay attention to the needs of your body, focus on staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to minimize the risk of any workout injuries, and stay fit and active.