Don’t Get Hurt!

By Dr. Michael E. Pomykala //

How do our bodies get injured? Let me count the ways! But with the right knowledge and tactics, many injuries are preventable. That’s why I’m writing today with some tips to help you reduce your risk of injury, and to share important news about our Biodex Balance System SD.

Traumatic injuries occur from a force or impact. A sprained ankle, twisted knee, torn ligament or concussion are some common examples. Overuse injuries are caused by movements that, over time, break down bodily structures. Some causes of overuse injuries include inadequate strength-building preparation for the activity, doing too much, too soon, and faulty biomechanical technique.

Some basic guidelines to help you avoid injury:

• Condition your body for your sport or activity, before the season starts.
• Don’t suddenly over-train. Work up gradually.
• Warm-up. Always leave time for 5-10 minutes of low-level cardiovascular activity and stretching exercises. Add some movements that mimic your sports activity.
• Use proper equipment in good working order.
• Learn and practice good biomechanical techniques.

We know that developing these strategies properly can be difficult on your own. Our certified physical therapists at Scerbo are ready to help you develop an effective, targeted conditioning program to increase and maintain your strength and flexibility. Our best recommendation, especially for athletes, is to come in and see us before as well as during play.

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get hurt. If that happens, our physical therapy doctors and certified physical therapists are here to help treat and rehab your injury, and return you to normal activity or sports play as soon as possible.

In our state-of-the-art toolbox at our “NJ Gold Coast” Edgewater facility, we are excited to offer the Biodex Balance SystemTM SD. The new Balance System SD improves balance, increases agility, and develops muscle tone, with the broadest range of treatment options.

The new Biodex Balance System SD assessment for concussion management helps manage specific sports injuries and determine safe return to play. We also now offer a Fall Risk Screening and Conditioning Program to safely and effectively treat older adults, young athletes, and post-surgical rehabilitation patients. And athletes, don’t forget to ask us about our Performance Enhancement Training Program, a specialized therapy designed to help you progress from stationary strengthening to the playing field.

So whether you’re hanging holiday decorations, taking your first ski or snowboard run of the season, or putting your best athletic foot forward, we at Scerbo Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation are all about helping you prevent injury from happening – and helping you recover when it does.

We are here to help. Call us at 201-941-2240 or visit our office in Edgewater, NJ and make an appointment today.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about important health news and prevention tips.