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Whether you play in a professional sports league or you enjoy running, all athletes need to have their bodies working in optimal fashion in order to maximize their performance. Additionally, a well-functioning body helps protect a person against injury. All injuries produce swelling in the body's tissues. This swelling delays the ability of the tissues to be nourished with nutrients and oxygen. Some people think that you can simply put an icepack on an injury and regain full use of an injured body part. It isn't this simple. Icepacks only relieve superficial swelling. The deep bruising in the muscle does not respond as well to icepacks. Rather than only treat the symptoms of an injury at the onset of it, it is important to get professional help with your sports and performance injury in NYC. Here are some things to expect when visiting a physical therapist. Initial Care In the event that you fracture a bone or you have an acute injury, then you need to go to the doctor or emergency room immediately. However, there are some injuries that leave you feeling confused as to when and if you should seek care. If you sprain a wrist or ankle, it is in your best interest to visit an urgent care center or your primary care physician. This way, the doctor can rule out a fracture. He or she can also advise you on follow-up care. In most cases, your doctor will have you avoid using your injured body part for two to three days and keep it elevated to help with swelling. He or she may prescribe you a set of crutches to help with this task. It is also important to ice the injury a few times a day. The most effective method is to ice for 20 minutes at a time. Once the swelling has gone down, your doctor will likely have you follow up with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help with fitting you for a brace. This offers your injured body part more support as it heals. Also, a physical therapist can teach you stretches and strengthening exercises to help you heal as quickly as possible. The goal is for you to regain full use of your injured body part. Injury Types You might be surprised to learn that a physical therapist can help with any joint or muscle injury. Even if you have jaw pain, there are tendons and joints that a physical therapist can work on to help alleviate pain and other symptoms. No matter the injury, an experienced physical therapist is equipped with the skills to handle whatever might ail you. Some common sports injuries are: back pain, sprains, hamstring strain, shin splints, ACL tear, and tennis elbow. Insurance Coverage If you have medical insurance, most plans cover a certain number of visits to a physical therapist annually. You can call your medical insurance provider and ask how many visits you are allowed. You can also ask about your benefits and whether certain diagnostic tests and treatments are covered under your plan. Even when people have met the maximum number of annual visits to a physical therapist, more visits can be approved with proof of medical necessity from your physical therapist. If you are an athlete and enjoy being physically fit, it is especially important for you to seek the care of a physical therapist. This will optimize your chances of recovering fully and resuming the activities you love. When you get a sports and performance injury in NYC, it is important to seek professional medical help. Call a physical therapist to set up an appointment.
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