This week’s Ask the Docs answers are provided by Dr. Jaclyn Rodriguez, Sports Medicine Physician at Rothman Orthopaedics, Official Orthopedic Partner of All-Star Sports Academy! Remember, if you need quick access to a Rothman Physician, be sure to utilize their Fast Scheduler program!
Question: What’s the best way to recover from a sprain or strain during the season without losing too much playing time? I feel like I always get minor injuries, but if I sat out every time, I had one, I would never play. What is the best advice you could give me?
Answer: It is always helpful to seek advice from a medical professional to decide whether you can keep playing or if you need a short period of rest. Your doctor may recommend seeing a physical therapist while recovering from a sprain or strain. This allows the athlete to heal from a minor injury without sacrificing physical activity or loss of conditioning and strength. This ensures that the athlete can continue a strengthening program without doing more harm to the inciting injury. It may even allow a faster return to play.Â
