Treatment as a Student-Athlete
#letschat #studentathlete #recovery #injury #healing #wellness
I’ve had my fair share of injuries this season and I’ve learned a lot about the different types of treatment and their benefits, how they can accelerate recovery, and how else they can help you to be successful.
1) Therm-X
Description: compression device with heating, cooling, and contrast settings
Uses: sprained and strained muscles
Benefits: reduces swelling, edema and pain, increases blood flow
2) Compression & Ice
Description: a compression wrap is used to compress the injured area, and ice is placed either directly on the injured area with a towel in between
Uses: strains, tears, breaks
Benefits: ice alleviates pain, reduces swelling by restricting blood low to the area. compression also works to reduces swelling and restrict blood flows, and can help provide support to the injured area. when used together, compression can make the ice penetrate deeper and longer and reduce inflammation quicker
3) Stim (Electronic Muscle Stimulation)
Description: sends mild electronic pulses through the skin to stimulate injured muscles or manipulate nerves to reduce reduce pain. there are two main types, 1) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and 2) electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). TENS is used for both chronic and acute pain and the electrodes are placed around the injured area to block pain signals traveling to the brain. EMS uses a slightly stronger current than TENS to get muscles to contract. The electrodes, also placed around the injured area, cause rhythmic contractions. This can improve muscle strength if the user attempts to
contract the muscle simultaneously.
Uses: injured muscles, chronic pain, motor control, pre workout activation
Benefits: Improve blood flow and circulation to weak or injured areas, helps muscles move (which can build strength in weak areas), reduces chronic pain, improves joint pain and swelling, prevents and reverses muscle atrophy (loss of muscle mass/tissue), enhances rehabilitation of muscles, increases range of motion for tense muscles or tendons, reduces stress and discomfort,
helps to build or maintain muscular strength, reduces inflammation
As a student-athlete, managing injuries is crucial for maintaining peak performance. Understanding various treatment methods can significantly affect recovery times and long-term health. In addition to the methods discussed, incorporating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can promote healing. Staying hydrated is equally important for maintaining muscle function and overall body health during recovery. Consider integrating physical therapy into your rehabilitation plan, as a trained professional can tailor exercises to the body's specific needs post-injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises can be beneficial in preventing future injuries, ensuring that muscles are in optimal condition for competition. The combination of proper treatment technologies, like the ones mentioned, alongside a comprehensive recovery plan, will equip student-athletes to return to action stronger than before.
