Game Ready Blog

If you have scheduled a procedure to repair a torn ACL, you’re probably wondering, “How long will I be out of my normal routine?” Although this is an important question, there is much more to ACL surgery recovery than just getting back on your feet. Even after you’re able to walk without crutches or other assistive devices, your body is still healing, and the recovery process continues. For most people, it takes 2-9 months to fully recover from ACL surgery.¹ A 2016 study of 80 amateur athletes found that on average, athletes returned to their sport after eight months.² 

A groin strain injury can happen to anybody, but it is most common in athletes, and particularly those who play soccer, football, or hockey.¹ The injury happens when the muscles in the groin area contract too suddenly, causing a painful stretch or tear in the muscle tissue.² How do you know if you have a groin strain injury?

A pulled groin—also known as a groin strain or sprain—occurs when the muscles in the inner thigh get overstretched or torn.¹ This can happen when they contract too quickly during activities such as running, jumping, or changing direction.¹ Although a pulled groin is a common injury among athletes, it can happen to anybody. Though this injury can be quite painful, it usually heals on its own.¹

Did you throw too many passes and hurt your shoulder? Did you twist your ankle working in the yard? Did you lift too much weight and injure your knees? If your answer is yes to any of these or other injuries, you’ve probably experienced swelling and inflammation. 

The opioid crisis is a hot topic in both mainstream and pain management news, which is not surprising considering the dramatic increase in opioid-related deaths in recent years. One study published in the JAMA Network Open found that U.S. deaths attributable to opioids increased 292 percent between 2001 and 2016.¹ This same study reported that in 2016, 20 percent of the deaths of adults ages 24-35 involved opioids.  

Growing awareness of the opioid crisis has prompted medical professionals to generate potential solutions, primarily by coming up with alternatives for pain management. These four stories highlight the various ways the medical industry is responding to the crisis through innovation, cooperation, and new policies.

 Selecting a physical therapist to help you recover from an injury or surgery is an important decision. You need a provider who is aligned with your recovery goals and who has the necessary skills and equipment to help you achieve them. You’ll also be spending a lot of time with your therapist, so you want to avoid personality conflicts and ensure that you are comfortable in the clinic environment. When researching your options, ask your doctor, friends, and family for recommendations and take the time to meet with providers before you commit.

A pulled back muscle can begin as a sudden, sharp pain when lifting or bending. Or it may appear gradually, getting progressively worse over several days. This common injury ranges from a minor inconvenience to an intense source of pain. It can take several weeks, and in some cases a few months, to heal.¹