Understanding Summer Sports Injuries and the Role of Physical Therapy
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and stay active. But with more movement comes a higher risk of injury. At Total Health in Berkeley Heights and Florham Park, New Jersey, many patients seek care for sports-related issues during summer. Whether caused by overuse or an awkward fall, these injuries can often be treated without surgery, with the help of physical therapy and other conservative methods.
Why Sports Injuries Are More Common in Summer
Warm weather encourages people to get moving. Activities like tennis, soccer, hiking, biking, golf, and swimming are popular across New Jersey. But intense movement, hot temperatures, and sometimes poor preparation can result in painful injuries. The body may not be conditioned for the sudden increase in activity. Muscles and joints that haven’t been used in months are suddenly under stress.
Injuries also happen when people don’t warm up properly, wear the wrong gear, or push through fatigue. These mistakes can strain the body and lead to conditions that last for weeks or months if not addressed.
Most Common Summer Sports Injuries Treated at Total Health
Not all injuries require surgery or long-term rest. Below are several common injuries treated non-surgically at Total Health in Berkeley Heights and Florham Park.
- Ankle Sprains and Strains
Ankle injuries often occur during running, jumping, or on uneven terrain. A sprain happens when the ligaments are stretched or torn, while a strain affects muscles or tendons. These injuries can limit movement and cause swelling and pain.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
These conditions result from repetitive movements of the wrist and arm. Whether playing a racket sport or swinging a club, the tendons around the elbow become inflamed, leading to pain during gripping and lifting.
- Knee Injuries
The knee is vulnerable to overuse injuries, including patellar tendonitis, runner’s knee, and ligament strains. Sudden twists, stops, or impacts can also result in sprains that make walking and bending painful.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
The shoulder is often injured in overhead sports like swimming, baseball, or volleyball. Tears, inflammation, or impingement in the rotator cuff can reduce strength and cause pain when lifting the arm.
- Shin Splints and Stress Fractures
These injuries are caused by repetitive stress on the legs, especially during running. Shin splints affect the front of the lower leg, while stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by overuse.
- Low Back Pain
Back pain can come from poor posture, weak core muscles, or improper lifting. Many summer sports involve twisting and bending, which strains the spine and surrounding muscles.
How Physical Therapy Supports Non-Surgical Recovery
Most summer sports injuries can be treated without surgery, especially when addressed early. Physical therapy is a safe, noninvasive solution that focuses on healing, strengthening, and preventing re-injury. At Total Health, therapy programs are tailored to each patient and adapted as recovery progresses.
Physical therapists at Berkeley Heights and Florham Park locations use proven techniques to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and restore strength. Each visit builds upon the last, helping the body return to its natural movement patterns.
Non-Surgical Treatments Available at Total Health in New Jersey
Total Health offers many conservative treatments to support recovery from summer injuries. These services relieve pain, restore function, and promote long-term wellness.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatments mobilize joints, stretch soft tissues, and release muscle tension. Manual therapy can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and relieve muscle guarding after injury.
Therapeutic Exercise
A guided stretching and strengthening program helps rebuild muscle and improve joint support. These exercises are tailored to each patient’s condition and goals..
Kinesiology Taping
Elastic therapeutic tape can reduce swelling, improve muscle activation, and provide support during movement. It’s instrumental in sports injury recovery.
Electrical Stimulation
Gentle electrical impulses may reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance muscle function.
Supportive Bracing and Education
Some injuries benefit from short-term use of braces or taping to allow the body to heal. Patients also receive guidance on posture, warm-ups, and safe return-to-play strategies.
The Importance of a Personalized Recovery Plan
No two injuries are exactly alike. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why Total Health develops individualized recovery plans for each patient. At both the Berkeley Heights and Florham Park offices, therapists work closely with each person to understand their sport, routine, and limitations.
These recovery plans may include at-home exercises, follow-up appointments, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. By addressing the root cause of the injury, not just the symptoms, patients are more likely to achieve lasting results.
Returning to Activity After Injury
One of the biggest concerns after a sports injury is when and how to return to activity. Pushing too hard too soon can cause reinjury or worsen the condition. Physical therapists guide patients through a safe and gradual return to movement.
This includes:
- Identifying and correcting faulty movement patterns
- Building strength and flexibility around the injured area
- Using sport-specific exercises to rebuild confidence
- Monitoring progress and adjusting intensity over time
Patients are also educated on how to warm up, cool down, and avoid risk factors that led to the injury in the first place.
Preventing Future Injuries During Summer Activities
While not every injury can be prevented, many can be avoided with the proper preparation and habits. Some key tips include:
- Warming up before sports or intense activity
- Wearing appropriate footwear and safety gear
- Staying hydrated, especially in hot temperatures
- Gradually increasing the intensity of workouts.
- Cross-training to avoid overuse of the same muscles
- Resting and allowing time for recovery
Total Health also offers preventative screenings and performance programs to identify weaknesses or imbalances before injuries occur.
Get the Right Care at Total Health in Berkeley Heights and Florham Park
If a summer injury occurs, early care makes a difference. Physical therapy and non-surgical treatment options at Total Health offer effective, safe relief without the need for downtime or invasive procedures. Whether dealing with a mild strain or lingering pain from a sports activity, patients across New Jersey can count on Total Health for expert guidance and support.
Both the Berkeley Heights and Florham Park clinics are ready to help patients return to the summer activities they enjoy, stronger and healthier than before.
DISCLAIMER: Not all exercises suit everyone, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. Please always consult your doctor before beginning this or any other exercise program, especially if you have any chronic or recurring condition, and/or are pregnant, nursing, or elderly. This exercise program is NOT recommended if you experience chest pains or have uncontrolled blood pressure or other uncontrolled chronic diseases.
