A study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine calculates that nearly 10 percent of Olympic athletes will compete with an injury sustained during competition or in training leading up to the Olympic Games. Sports with the highest rate of serious injury include bobsled, ice hockey and alpine freestyle skiing. Most frequent injury sites include head, spine and knees, with the most common types of injuries being bruising, ligament tears and muscular sprains.
Throughout the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, which start on February 7, 2014, Julie West, owner West Physical Therapy PC in Geneva, and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS), will be providing a running commentary on the cause and treatment of injuries sustained by Winter Olympians.
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“While the Winter Games always provides a prime seat to watch the journey of athletes vying to become Olympic Champions, there is also a very present element of physical danger, often resulting in the breakdown of the human body,” said West. “The drama surrounding the Olympics offers us a chance to witness the human body pushed to its limits. By witnessing and learning from injuries, we can better teach everyday people how to avoid bodily harm.”
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West Physical Therapy has helped many athletes prepare for competition. One case was a 17 year old male high jumper who came to physical therapy with a hip labral tear that was to be treated conservatively with skilled PT. Physical therapy initially focused on releasing the restricted tissue and a stretching program. Once pain was reduced, a lot of our treatment time working on dynamic hip stabilization, jumping progressions, cardio (due to his time off from training), and improving upon his muscle balance. After discharge, this patient came back to show a video of him completing his best ever high jump and to say that his performance after PT was the best he had ever done in his track career.
In 2014, 12 new winter events will debut at the Olympic Games. Women’s ski jumping, a biathlon mixed relay and ski half-pipe are examples of sports added to a long list of events that test skill, endurance and athletic ability.
“With the continued evolution of the games, the role of a physical therapist is even more essential,” said West. “A physical therapist manages rehabilitation post injury but more importantly, the physical therapist can help an athlete prevent the injury from the outset.”
For more information, visit www.westphysicaltherapy.com
About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association
Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the health care system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.
Editor’s Note: Julie West is available for discussion by phone, and commentary can be followed on Facebook at West Physical Therapy.
