Injuries

Do I Need to See a Doctor?

If you are worried or concerned about your injury symptoms, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor when:

• Pain is localized to the bone or joint
• Joint motion is accompanied by catching, popping, or locking
• Pain is cannot be controlled by the recomended does of over-the-couter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
• The problem persists for more than two weeks

Heat or Ice?

The answer is almost always “ice.” Put some ice on it and call the clinic. Learn more.

How Can I Avoid Running Injuries?

Most injuries result from overtraining. Do not increase your training mileage or duration by more than 10% per week.

How Can I Avoid ACL Injury?

Sportsmetrics™ is a specific program of neuromuscular control and strength training that reduces the risk of ACL tear injury. An at-home DVD version of the Sportsmetrics training program is available for purchase from Physical Therapy of Los Gatos.

The risk of ACL injury can be predicted by analyzing measurements of the way an athlete’s body generates and absorbs forces of acceleration and deceleration. Risk evaluation includes the “drop-jump” test, which enables our staff to examine lower limb alignment relative to hip separation distance as the athlete accelerates and decelerates. The drop-jump test is recorded on videotape to enable stop-motion frame-by-frame videographic analysis of each athlete.

Athletes found to be at high risk of ACL injury, and those who have already suffered an ACL injury requiring reconstructive surgery, should take the six-week Sportsmetrics training program directed by a Sportsmetrics-certified physical therapist in our clinic.

What is a “Sprain?”

A sprain occurs when a ligament (fibrous tissue connecting bone to bone) is stretched beyond its normal limits. Complete recovery from a sprain injury requires professional evaluation and physical therapy, and recovery from some sprains requires surgery.

Why Does My Tennis Elbow Pain Keep Coming Back?

Palliative measures such as analgesics (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) and forearm bands rarely result in full recovery. Find out why progressive, eccentric muscle training is a necessary component of tennis elbow treatment and how a little pain can be good for you.

Does Running Cause Arthritis?

Running is rarely a direct cause of arthritis. Learn more.