Keep the “Madness” on your bracket with Riverside Physical Therapy

As fans start filling out their brackets for March college basketball tournaments, they may be inspired to get out on the court themselves. But the physicality of basketball can lead to injuries and other painful conditions. Basketball injuries can include sprains, strains, upper-body pain, and even fractures. These injuries can make it difficult not just to play basketball, but to complete everyday tasks at home and at work.

Warm Up Before You Tip Off

Thankfully, many basketball injuries can be prevented with simple preparation. Slowly increasing physical activity, thoroughly stretching, warming up before playing, and wearing appropriate shoes can all help you enjoy the sport while reducing your risk of being sidelined by injury.

This is where Riverside’s licensed physical therapists can help. These skilled professionals can evaluate your movement and determine ways to increase strength and stability, reducing the risk of injury and helping you stay in the game and off the bench.

Soreness or Something More Serious?

With increased physical activity, you may notice muscle pain and soreness. It is important to determine whether this is normal soreness or something more serious. “Sometimes people have a hard time distinguishing what they’re feeling,” notes Mitch Cronk, Riverside Outpatient Rehab Manager. “We’ve all experienced muscle soreness before. Often, the discomfort doesn’t show up right away; it might appear later that night or the next day. You wake up with pain in a certain part of your body and start wondering, ‘Is this just soreness, or could it actually be an injury?’”

If you’re already dealing with a basketball injury, physical therapy can also help you recover safely. Riverside’s licensed physical therapists create personalized treatment plans and guide patients through exercises that rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and restore physical ability. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain and help you return to activity with more confidence and lower risk of re-injury.

Your Recovery Game Plan

“With an injury, many people try to manage it themselves or search for answers online,” says Mitch Cronk, Riverside Outpatient Rehab Manager. “But if you want a professional opinion, you can come into a Riverside outpatient therapy clinic, and we can evaluate you. An evaluation doesn’t mean you’re committing to long-term physical therapy. Sometimes it’s simply about getting guidance, helpful advice, and maybe a home exercise program to get you moving in the right direction.”

If your injury requires more significant treatment or surgery, Riverside’s Orthopedic Specialists can provide care ranging from physical therapy and pain management to minimally invasive arthroscopic and reconstructive procedures. Our team includes providers in sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, interventional pain medicine, and podiatry.

When in Need, Call On Our Team

The excitement of March basketball tournaments is a great reminder that movement matters. With support from Riverside Healthcare’s physical therapy team, seasoned athletes and weekend warriors alike can protect their bodies, recover from injuries, and keep enjoying the game they love.

To learn more about Riverside Outpatient Therapy, call (815) 935-7496 or visit myrhc.net/rehabilitation.