Sports Therapy
What is Sports Therapy?
Sports Therapy is a progressive physical therapy which specializes in the care and rehabilitation of orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Each patient is prescribed an individualized and customized treatment program. A Sports Therapist utilizes any and all types of exercise, modalities and manual techniques necessary to achieve the desired goals. Programs are based upon the results of a comprehensive bio-mechanical evaluation which enables the therapist to treat the source of the problem instead of the symptoms. Addressing the problem at its source helps ensure that the risk of recurrence is greatly minimized. A functional approach is applied to the rehabilitation of all patients to promote a rapid return to full functional activities. A Sports Therapist emphasizes the restoration of normal mechanics and motor control. Their primary goal is to return the patient to full activity as soon as possible. The patient assumes an active role in their rehabilitation thereby easing the transition back to a normal level of activity. Education is also a key component of her practice as she teaches patients how to care for and maintain their health and their injuries. This has dramatically reduced the incidence of re-injury and has accelerated their recovery. Some of the conditions we commonly see are:
- sports injuries
- ligament tears
- rotator cuff injuries
- tendinitis
- knee pain
- tendon ruptures
- shoulder pain
- tennis elbow
- neck and low back pain
- heel spurs
- overuse syndromes
- postural misalignment
- ankle sprains
- bursitis
- muscle pulls
- post-surgical rehabilitation
Types of Sports Therapy
R.I.C.E.
- R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Rest the injured body part immediately. If you feel pain when you move, this is your body sending a signal to decrease mobility of the injured area.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area. Place a towel between your skin and the ice pack to protect your skin from frostbite.
- Compress the injured area with a bandage or wrap an ice pack over the area to help reduce swelling. If you feel pain or a tingly sensation, loosen the pressure.
- Elevation: Raise or prop up the injured area so that it rests above the level of your heart.
Modality Application
- Ultrasound to promote healing of soft tissue by adding deep heat to the site
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S) for pain management
- Interferential Current and Premodualtion Current for Pain management and Inflammation control
- Russian Stimulation/EMS to help prmote growth of atrophied muscle
M.R.T.
- M.R.T. stands for Myofascial Release Techniques
- M.R.T. is a soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Deep Tissue Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It is used to release chronic muscle tension through slow strokes and direct deep pressure applied across the grain of the muscles as opposed to pressure applied with the grain of the muscle.
Taping to help stabilize and support joints as well as provide compression to soft tissue.
Pre-Race Massage
- Helps to prevent injury and prepares the body and mind for the stresses and exertions of the forthcoming event. A pre-race massage will warm muscle tissue, lubricate joints, increase blood flow, increase oxygen intake.
Post Race Massage
- Helps return the body and mind to an enjoyably relaxed state by. A post race massage will relax muscle tissue, relax muscle fibers, and remove toxins and lactic acid from muscles. It helps prevent overuse injury and following day aches.
Currently Dr. Serné is the head trainer for BCRU division Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, where she prepares the players pre-game and manages on field evaluations during the game. She also works closely with Harbour Dance Center.
