Sports Injuries 101: When to See a Physical Therapist

Staying active is a big part of life in Maine. From running and biking in warmer months to skiing, snowshoeing, and hockey in winter, sports keep our community healthy and strong. Knowing when to see a Physical Therapist can make a big difference in how you perform, or how fast and how well you recover if you are injured.

At active acadia Physical Therapy in Lamoine, Maine, we help athletes of all ages heal safely and get back to the sports they love.

Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can happen suddenly or build up over time. Some of the most common include:

• Sprains and strains

• Muscle pulls or tears

• Knee pain or ACL injuries

• Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries

• Shin splints

• Back and neck pain

In Maine, winter sports injuries may happen. Slips and falls on ice can lead to ankle sprains, wrist fractures, or knee injuries. Skiing and snowboarding often cause knee ligament injuries, shoulder dislocations, and muscle strains. Hockey players may experience hip, groin, or low back pain due to fast movements and contact.

Signs You Should See a Physical Therapist

You don’t need to wait until pain becomes severe. Seeing a Physical Therapist early can prevent small issues from turning into long-term problems. Consider scheduling an appointment if you notice:

• Pain that lasts more than a few days

• Swelling, stiffness, or limited movement

• Pain that gets worse with activity

• Weakness or trouble putting weight on a joint

• Repeated injuries in the same area

If an injury keeps you from enjoying winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing, Physical Therapy can help you recover and stay active all season.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical Therapy focuses on treating the root cause of your injury, not just the symptoms. At active acadia Physical Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy

• Strength and flexibility exercises

• Balance and coordination training

• Injury prevention education

For winter sport athletes, we also work on improving stability, joint control, and muscle strength to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Get Back to What You Love

Whether you’re a weekend skier, a student athlete, or someone who enjoys staying active year-round, Physical Therapy can help you move better and feel stronger. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and better results.

If you’re dealing with a sports injury or winter-related pain, active acadia Physical Therapy in Lamoine, Maine is here to help. Our experienced team is ready to support your recovery and keep you doing the activities you love—safely and confidently.