Skip to main content

Sports Medicine

Active lifestyles need dynamic care. At Emanate Health Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, our sports medicine doctors and physical therapists have the expertise needed to help you avoid athletic injuries—and to help you heal quickly if an injury does occur.

Whether you're a weekend warrior, professional athlete or student athlete, we can tailor our sports medicine and therapy services to meet your needs. Take a look at the treatment we offer and contact any one of our sports medicine locations to schedule your first appointment.

Common sports injuries we heal

Some injuries occur more frequently in athletes. Conditions that our sports medicine team commonly treats include:

  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Bone fractures
  • Cartilage injuries
  • Concussion
  • Knee, elbow and shoulder injuries
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sprains and strains
  • Stress fractures
  • Tendonitis

Sports therapy

Mild strains and sprains can benefit from initial treatment at home using the R.I.C.E. method.
If you have a mild strain or sprain, try R.I.C.E. Show me how.

Reviewed 8/6/2024

Treating sports injuries. Mild strains and sprains can benefit from initial treatment at home using the R.I.C.E. method.

Using the R.I.C.E. method is a good first treatment for mild sprains or strains. The benefits include pain relief, reduced inflammation and faster healing.

Start R.I.C.E. right after a mild sprain or strain. Continue for at least 48 hours.

Keep scrolling to learn how to use R.I.C.E.

REST

  • Reduce your activity as needed.
  • Use crutches if you need to.

ICE

  • Put ice on right away to keep the swelling down.
  • Use ice for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day.
  • You can use a cold pack, an ice bag, or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel.

COMPRESSION

  • Compress the injured area to keep the swelling down and support the injured area.
  • You can use elastic wraps, air casts, splints or special boots.

    • ELEVATION

    • Keep the injured area elevated on a pillow above the level of your heart, if possible. This will help reduce swelling.

    GET HELP IF:

    • The injury causes severe pain, swelling or numbness.
    • You can't put any weight on the injured area.
    • The pain or ache of an old injury is accompanied by increased swelling or joint abnormality or instability.
    • Pain or other symptoms worsen after using R.I.C.E.

    NEED CRUTCHES AFTER AN INJURY? FIND OUT HOW TO USE THEM SAFELY.

    GET SAFETY TIPS

    Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

    Sources

    Physical therapy is an important part of a sports medicine treatment plan. Our physical therapists will work with you after an injury to help you recover lost function. They'll also give you tips and techniques that can help you prevent future injuries.

    We provide manual therapy at all our locations. The therapist uses his or her hands to directly target the source of your pain or stiffness, similar to massage therapy. Manual therapy is especially effective for soft tissue and joint injuries.

    Our therapists may also use heat packs, ice, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation (also known as e-stim or TENS), and progressive strengthening exercises to help you recover.

    Outpatient orthopedic surgery services

    For certain sports injuries, we may refer you to an Emanate Health orthopedic surgeon. We encourage you to explore our outpatient surgery services to learn more about the orthopedic operations we perform.