You've been injured ... now what?
 Many people, at some point in their lives, will be injured during recreation or exercise. What do you do when that happens and how can you prevent future injuries?
Susan Ring, director of rehabilitation service at SportsMed at Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, said when someone gets injured, they are usually participating in one activity too often.
"Mix things up," Ring suggested.
About 70 percent of injuries that come into the YVMC rehabilitation service center are related to sports injury. A majority of the time it's because people's bodies are overused, Ring said.
The most common types of injuries Ring and her staff see are related to the knee or shoulder.
Ring recommends that patients take the time to strengthen their core muscles.
"If you don't have a stable base to work from, you are setting yourself up for injury," Ring said. "It's also really important to stretch well."
Rich Sadvar, owner of Craig Physical Therapy, agreed and said flexibility is a major part of injury prevention.
"There is no fountain of youth," Sadvar said. "In my opinion, flexibility is the key to prevention. There are many different kinds of programs (for flexibility) available right now, but you can't beat a regular stretching regimen."
Keeping fit
Melissa Baumgartner, physical therapist and owner of The Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Steamboat Springs, said that being physically fit before starting an activity greatly reduces the chance of injury.
"Before you go out and participate, you need to be sure that you are in good overall shape," Baumgartner said.
Sadvar also thinks people are preparing their bodies properly before overexerting themselves.
"Most of the time what happens is people aren't staying in shape year-round," Sadvar said. "They are in a period of inactivity, and they turn around and go to two- or three-a-day practices, or they go into something really hard."
Ring said knowing your body and paying attention to the signals it gives you are good indicators of knowing your limits and preventing injuries.
"You need to pay attention to your body," Ring said. "Ice and stretch and if the pain lasts longer than a few days, go see a doctor."
Back in action
If you do injure yourself, there are some simple steps that Sadvar, Ring and Baumgartner recommend. One of the first steps is to make a trip to the doctor to determine what is wrong. The second step is finding a physical therapist who you are comfortable with, and one who can help you achieve your goals of getting rehabilitated. One final step is to stick with your rehab program, though recovery time may be slow.
"Recovery time is all over the board," Ring said. "It is all on the individual, so there's no set pattern for any injury.
"Every injury is treated on an individual basis. And it's important to match the physical therapist to the patient, because it is a one-on-one relationship."
Ring said patients should look for a well-equipped gym and a well-rounded staff to choose from, so the patient is more likely to find success in their recovery efforts.
By heeding the signs and signals, maintaining flexibility and taking steps to prevent and care for injuries, a trip back onto the playing field is not too far away.
Reprinted with permission from the Steamboat Piloit & Today
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Success Stories
I knew I was in good hands from the moment I walked in the door. The atmosphere was inviting and I had immediate connection with my therapist. The staff was not only experienced and knowledgeable, but they were also caring and understanding of my needs.
Tiana Buschmann
Melissa developed a program that was carefully customized for my specific injuries and needs, monitored my progress and revised the program regularly as needed. This is a comfortable, friendly place to get great personalized PT.
David T. Moulton
With the help of Melissa and the gang at the Center for Sports Medicine and a personalized rehabilitation program, created with my specific goals in mind, I now have full strength and confidence for whatever the summer has in store.
Gerry Verdoner
After I ruptured my achilles tendon, Melissa at The Center for Sports Medicine helped me get back on my feet. She was great at making an uncomfortable situation comfortable.
John McCollum
I was told that rehabilitation from shoulder surgery would be a painful, difficult and arduous process. And though it involved a great deal of effort and exertion, working with the folks at The Center of Sports Medicine was an incredibly positive experience.
Jim Steinberg
Being an active sports photographer and recently having to have knee surgery, I'm extremely glad I chose The Center for Sports Medicine. Their dedication and unparalleled skill is second to none.
Larry Pierce
One of the things I like about the Center for Sports Medicine is the sense of camaraderie in the office. The staff is very supportive and worked very hard to get me back in the saddle.
Lee Cox
I just completed seven out of an eight day deep powder ski marathon up at the Steamboat Ski Area.
Scott MacFarland
"For an exhilarating, healing experience be sure to select The Center for Sports Medicine where the very helpful, positive staff will take you through the very energizing paces of hands-on-treatment...
Connie Link
It is our pleasure to send a message of gratitude and thanks to Melissa and everyone at the Center for Sports Medicine. Ken's recovery from hip replacement has gone really well...
Ken and Cheryl Flagg
The Center for Sports Medicine has been a huge part of my active lifestyle. I trust them for my family's rehabilitation and we have all received excellent results, in a fun and friendly environment.
Tracy Colombo
As a long-time grateful patient, I recommend The Center for Sports Medicine.
Judith Lehel
I have gone to many physical therapists in my life and Melissa at the Center for Sports Medicine is by far the best one ever! She actually listens to you and does her magic accordingly. Her facility provides a quiet atmosphere and so much individual attention. Melissa and her staff are all people you want to have in your life as friends. I am almost done (I recovered from total hip replacement so quickly with her help) and will definitely miss going there.
Patricia Randall
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Physical Therapy Facts
- 84% of physical therapy users refer friends and family to their physical therapist.*
- 88% of physical therapy users say the care they received was beneficial to helping them return to normal activity, increasing their range of motion, and relieving their pain.*
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*APTA Consumer Survey, October 2007
**American Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2008
*** Spine, July 2008
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