Allison Rankin
With the beginning of another school year comes the excitement of new sports seasons. Whether your student-athlete is competing for the first time or a returning letter winner, recognizing the early signs of an injury can make all the difference between missing days, weeks, or even the entire season or year.
It can be difficult to determine if initial soreness and other symptoms are part of training and competition or something more serious. Worsening pain, ongoing swelling, gait deviations, or inability to practice at full capacity should not be ignored. Initial conversation with coaching staff and athletic trainers is a good starting point, but early diagnosis can often prevent weeks on the sidelines and may even keep it from becoming a season-ending injury.
An appointment with your child’s primary care provider is the first step in the initial differential diagnosis and, as necessary, imaging. Your PCP will determine the extent of the injury and if a referral to physical or occupational therapy is indicated. If your school has access to an athletic trainer, they are also an excellent resource and can help determine if further medical evaluation is needed.
At Boone County Health Center, our therapy team works with athletes of all ages and abilities to treat strains, sprains, muscle imbalances, and other sportsrelated conditions. Our therapists are here to help athletes get back in the game after an injury or surgery; however, prevention and early intervention are our top priority as well. The sooner treatment intervention begins, the better the opportunity for a full recovery and quicker return to the activities your athlete loves.
A successful sports season is about staying healthy. By listening to your athlete, recognizing early warning signs and seeking care when appropriate, we can help prevent a minor injury from becoming a major setback. Remember that adequate sleep, good nutrition, optimal electrolyte levels, and positive communication are also essential. BCHC Therapy Department wishes all our area athletes a safe and successful year!
Allison Rankin is a physical therapist with Boone County Health Center and wrote this month’s Health Center Chatter.