About
Sports injuries like tennis elbow are especially common among active athletes. While resting at home is an effective option when injury strikes, getting a bit of extra attention never hurts. Here at Global Clinic, we offer regenerative medicine, physical therapy, and various other services to help you feel better faster.
What Causes Sports Injuries?
Pushing yourself too hard during a match or practice can lead to overtaxed muscles or painful joints. Some causes of sports-related injuries can be lifting weights that are too heavy, overextending yourself on a run, not stretching before an activity, or tearing a muscle or ligament due to playing contact sports.
Types of Sports Injuries We Treat
At Global Pain & Spine Clinic in Niles, IL, we treat the full spectrum of sports injuries affecting athletes of all levels - from weekend warriors to competitive professionals.
- ACL and Ligament Tears
- Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendinitis
- Meniscus Tears
- Tennis Elbow and Golf Elbow
- Shin Splints
- Stress Fractures
- Ankle Sprains
- Hamstring Strains
- Concussions
When to Seek Treatment for a Sports Injury
Not every sports injury requires immediate care - but knowing when to seek treatment can prevent a minor issue from becoming serious.
See a doctor or physical therapist if any of the following apply:
- You heard a pop or crack at the time of injury
- You cannot bear weight or use the affected limb normally
- Significant swelling or bruising developed within hours
- Pain has not improved with rest and ice after 48 hours
- You experience numbness or tingling in the injured area
- The same injury has recurred more than once
Early sports injury treatment at Global Pain & Spine Clinic in Niles, IL produces the best outcomes and gets athletes back to their sport faster.
How We Treat Sports Injuries
Our multidisciplinary team in Niles, IL combines multiple therapies for faster recovery and lasting results. Your treatment plan is personalized based on your injury type and severity.
- Sports Physical Therapy: Sport-specific rehab and return-to-sport testing
- Regenerative Medicine (PRP): Natural tissue healing without surgery
- Physical Therapy: Targeted strengthening and mobility restoration
- Acupuncture & Dry Needling: Trigger point release and inflammation reduction
- Laser Therapy: LightForce XLi deep tissue healing
- Pain Management: Targeted injections for severe inflammation
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on soft tissue and joint mobilization
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does sports injury recovery take?
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of your injury. Mild sprains and strains typically recover within 2 to 6 weeks of physical therapy. More serious injuries like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, and stress fractures may require 3 to 6 months of treatment and rehabilitation. Your clinician will give you a realistic return-to-sport timeline at your first visit at Global Pain & Spine Clinic in Niles, IL.
2. Should I use ice or heat on a sports injury?
For acute injuries in the first 48 to 72 hours, use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation. After the initial acute phase, heat can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation. Your physical therapist at Global Pain & Spine Clinic will give you specific guidance based on your injury type and stage of recovery.
3. Can PRP help sports injuries heal faster?
Yes - PRP injections have shown strong results for tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and cartilage damage common in sports. The treatment uses your body's own growth factors to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Many athletes use PRP to avoid surgery and return to sport faster.
4. Can I prevent sports injuries with physical therapy?
Yes - injury prevention is one of the most valuable services we offer at Global Pain & Spine Clinic. Functional movement screening identifies muscle imbalances and movement deficiencies that increase injury risk before they cause problems. Pre-season screens are particularly valuable for athletes in high-injury sports like soccer, basketball, and football.
5. Does insurance cover sports injury treatment at Global Pain & Spine Clinic?
Most major insurance plans cover physical therapy and pain management for sports injuries. PRP injections may have varying coverage. Call our Niles office at (847) 299-7000 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.