4 Common Types of Sports Injuries

Whether you’re a weekend rugby player, a passionate pickleball player, a professional athlete or just a dad tossing a football with the kids in the backyard, you’re vulnerable to sports injuries. They happen on the field and off, at the least expected times. In Flagstaff, AZ sport injuries are carefully treated at Basecamp Physical Therapy and Performance. Our goal is to get you back to playing the sport you love, as quickly and as safely as possible. Here are some of the most common types of sports injuries we see.

1. Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help cushion bones, muscles and tendons around the joints in the knees, arms, shoulders, hips, etc. When these sacs become inflamed due to overuse, severe pain, tenderness and/or swelling occur. Bursitis is one of the most common sports injuries.

2. Dislocations
Dislocations are often associated with sports such as soccer, boxing, football and other contact sports. They are often caused by a blow, impact or fall. Most commonly, dislocations occur in the fingers and shoulders, but they can happen in the hips, knees and elbows, as well. Note that even after the joint is placed correctly, follow-up physical therapy is usually needed.

3. Tendonitis
Tendonitis often occurs when a person engages in sports without properly warming up, or when they are not quite fit enough for the activity. It can be brought on by certain forceful motions such as lifting weights, pitching a baseball, serving a ball in tennis, volleying a ball, etc. This is because the motion causes muscles to contract, which leads to a chain reaction where bones and tendons are put into stress. Tendonitis is often referred to as a “weekend athlete” injury.

4. Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are quite common in sports. Both of these sports injuries involve stretching or tearing of either ligaments, muscles, or tendons. They can be very painful, but they do respond well to physical therapy.

If you incur any kind of injury while playing sports, you can get physical therapy in Flagstaff, AZ, at Basecamp Physical Therapy and Performance. Contact us today to book your appointment for an assessment and treatment plan. The sooner you do, the faster you can get back to doing what you love!