Basketball Injuries

As we get into the full swing of basketball season, players must be wary of injuries on and off the court affecting your game. Whether it is a pickup game on the neighborhood court or an organized league in a crowded gymnasium, millions of men and women who play basketball each year are at risk for a wide range of injuries.

According to a study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), 22% of all male basketball players sustained an injury last year, with 42% of the injuries were to the ankle or the foot. Sprains were the most common types of injuries followed by injuries to the hip, thigh, and knee. Perhaps the most alarming statistic, however, is 60% of these injuries occurred during practice and 59% during the second half of a game.

These statistics prove warming up through proper stretching and building up endurance to prevent fatigue is the most important factor in preventing basketball injuries. Basketball is a fast-paced, physical sport, and maintaining a high level of fitness is optimal in preventing injuries.

The offseason is usually the most important part of your training regimen for the season. A physical therapist can help you maintain a proper fitness program made up of strength training, flexibility, and aerobic exercise. Athletes who are out of shape are more likely to sustain and less likely to recover from an injury. It is also required to get a yearly physical examination and to follow any recommendations your doctor may have.

Warming up is also another major factor in preventing an injury when playing basketball. Dynamic stretches should be done before a game or practice and static stretches should be done as a cool-down afterward. Keep yourself hydrated throughout a game and make sure you wear proper basketball shoes with skid-resistant soles. It may also be beneficial to wear other equipment, including a mouthguard, ankle supports, and knee and elbow pads.

If you are injured during a game or practice, a physical therapist can help you get back on the hardwood as quickly as possible. He or she can help you recover from common basketball injuries such as ankle and knee sprains, jammed fingers, and stress factors, and many more! Although some sports injuries are not 100% preventable, you can decrease your risk of a season-ending injury by following these basic prevention methods.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

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