Sport Injuries
What are Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries are usually caused by an acute trauma, such as a fall or hard contact with another athlete, or misuse of the body throughout the sports activity.65% of all sports injuries are categorized as sprains or strains.
Sprains are injuries to a ligament (tissue that connects bones). They typically happen from a sudden fall, twist or a shock that forces the joint out of its regular position producing the ligament to be overstretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, joint tenderness, swelling, warmth, and difficulty moving the injured joint.
Strains are injuries to a muscle or tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). It can be produced by overstretching a muscle or tendon, inappropriate lifting, or repetitive movement of muscles or tendons. Symptoms of a strain include muscle stiffness or soreness and may also include swelling, cramping, and inflammation.
Some common examples of sports injuries include: Tennis elbow, Golfers Elbow, Shin Splints, Shoulder Injuries, Stress Fractures, Achilles tendonitis, Runners Knee
The trauma of sports injuries causes harm to the cells that structure the soft tissues. These damaged cells release chemicals that start a natural inflammatory reaction in the body. The consequence is redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the injured area. Persistent or recurrent inflammation can predispose the athlete to early onset of arthritis or degenerative changes in their joints.
What is laser therapy?
Cold or Low-Level Laser Therapy reduces both the short term inflammation and long term risk of arthritis frequently related to sports injuries. Laser Therapy is an FDA and Health Canada approval, non-invasive, and non-medical technique for pain relief. Low-Level Laser Therapy is the newest in rehabilitative knowledge to heal and repair tissue. All tissue is made of a number of cells. These cells absorb light energy effectually. Laser stimulation promotes normal cell function and enhances the body’s innate healing process.
The effects of laser therapy include:
· Decreased inflammation
· Increased blood flow to the injured site
· Reduced pain
· Minimized formation of scar tissue
· Growth of new, healthy tissues
· Applied immediately after injury
· Can be used over metal plates, rods or pins
· Decreased need for pharmaceuticals, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory Medications
· Speeds up recovery time
What are the benefits of Laser Therapy?
· Non-toxic and leaves no residual by-products in the body, making it perfectly safe to use in any sports setting
· Non-invasive and leaves no residual by-products in the body, making it perfectly safe to use in any sports setting
· Is not considered a sport banned substance in any country
· Can have profound effects on healing and preventing the return of tendonitis, a common condition athletes are plagued with
· Can speed up post-surgical recovery and can help with soft tissue healing around broken bones.
· Safe and without side effect.
· Cost effective
· May prevent the need for surgery
· Can provide a superior alternative to medication.
Many famous athletes and professional sports teams use laser therapy to keep their investments at peak performance. Cold laser is the most widely proven. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has helped people worldwide manage pain and facilitate healing. Widely used as a proven sports injury treatment, LLLT has been the chosen method of treatment for the Toronto Raptors, Blue Jays and Maple Leafs.
