Preventing and Healing Gym-Based Injuries:
Your Guide to Physiotherapy
In the pursuit of fitness, it's crucial to prioritize not just gains but also the health of your body. Gym enthusiasts often push themselves to the limit, but sometimes, injuries can be an inevitable part of the journey. In this blog, we'll explore common gym-based injuries and highlight the importance of seeking the expertise of a physiotherapist for both recovery and prevention.
What are common injuries in the gym?
There is a range of different injuries that can be sustained when at the gym but the most common of those injuries would include a few of the following:
Lower Back Pain
We have all had a mate who has hurt themselves either deadlifting or doing a squat. This is actually quite common, despite these exercises being fantastic for building strength and resilience. When this does happen though it is more indicative of fatigue or lack of control rather than tissue overload or muscle weakness.
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Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries are also very common, particularly for many weightlifters. Injuries that may happen in the gym can include rotator cuff tears or tendinopathies, subacromial pathologies like bursitis or even an osteolysis of the distal clavicle otherwise known as weightlifters' shoulder which is typically an overuse injury of the AC joint.
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Knee Injuries
Patellofemoral pain or pain around the kneecap is also commonly seen in the gym and can be quite debilitating if not addressed. The patellofemoral joint can unfortunately be susceptible to overload due to a number of reasons, therefore it can be really beneficial to get an assessment to identify what is driving your pain in this area. For all the brave box jumpers out there, a patella tendinopathy may also become a problem due to repetitive stress.
How Can a Physio Help?
Most people would be aware that a physiotherapist can play an important part in the recovery and rehabilitation process. They are able to assess, diagnose and create treatment plans to improve the rate of recovery and minimize the risk of recurring injuries. Utilizing many different techniques such as soft tissue therapy, joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy can be critical in returning back to the gym.
Can a physio help prevent injuries?
As well all know, prevention is always better than a cure. Therefore, by seeing a physio and getting an assessment done this can go a long way in preventing any minor issues from becoming bigger problems and ultimately ensuring a quicker return to the gym.
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Physios are able to design specific exercise programs which aim to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility and joint mobility as well as address any musculoskeletal imbalances which may put someone at risk of injury and these programs can serve as valuable additions to your regular workout routines.
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Why is it helpful to know a physio?
Gym-goers would benefit from touching base with their physio, even in the absence of any injuries. This can ensure that potential issues are identified and can allow for injury prevention measures. The other benefit of knowing a physio is that physios are fantastic at bridging the gap between medical specialists and the everyday athlete. We understand the medical lingo, we know the medical system and can action things quickly and ultimately, we are able to provide you with basic answers to complex injuries or problems. Let’s be honest we have all been to the doctor and walked out thinking “what did that person say again?”
What are some myths about physiotherapists?
A common misconception about physiotherapists and physiotherapy is that most clinicians want you to cease your gym activity and may encourage you to reduce lifting heavy weights due to the risk of injury. This, however, is a false belief held by many people and instead physiotherapy is largely supportive in making sure that you are robust and resilient.
In the world of fitness, taking care of your body is as important as pushing your limits. Physiotherapy is not just a solution for injuries but a key partner in achieving long-term fitness goals. By incorporating physiotherapy into your fitness routine, you're investing in a healthier, more resilient version of yourself. Don't wait for an injury to strike – let physiotherapy be your proactive choice for a stronger, injury-resistant body.
If you or anyone else is suffering a gym-based injury or would simply like to be proactive about your health, contact me here today by calling 0435 330 973 or visit www.cpphysiotherapy.com.au to book a consultation.
