How Soon Can I Return to My Sport After an Injury?

As spring sports practices begin in earnest, one of the most common questions we get from athletes who see us because of a sports injury is, “How soon can I get back in the game?” The answer to that question depends entirely on the severity of the injury, the aggressiveness of the treatment, and the compliance of the patient.

Rest Is the Most Important Treatment for Your Injury

One of the most important steps any athlete can take to ensure their ability to return to the game is to give the injury time to heal. Rest is essential in having the capability of restoring full mobility and use of the area being treated. Whether you have tendonitis, broke a bone, or strained or tore a muscle, rest is the first step.

Developing a Treatment Plan with Your Physiatrist

Our physiatrist will work with you to determine the best course of action to get you back in the game quickly. From reducing inflammation and reducing pain to physical therapy treatment to improve mobility, our goal is to restore your functionality as rapidly – and as safely – as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may include surgery, injections, or acupuncture.

Time Matters

Many athletes tend to ignore pain or continue to play even once they’ve been injured. However, the easiest way to achieve a full recovery from an injury is to seek treatment immediately. If you’ve been injured and want to begin the road to recovery, our urgent care is the place to start. In urgent care, our physicians can evaluate your injury, immobilize it, and begin treatment for swelling and pain and then refer you to one of our specialists.

At Park Avenue Medical Professionals, our physiatrists provide care musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries. Our board-certified physiatrist will design an individualized treatment program to decrease your pain, improve your mobility and reduce the risk of further injuries. Learn more about our physiatry services by contacting our office at 212.427.2000. You can also make an appointment by filling out this form.