Sports Injury Treatments: Getting You Back in the Game

From fractured wrists on the tennis court to tendonitis after a weekend of weightlifting, sports injuries to the upper extremities can sideline even the most dedicated athletes.

Hand to Shoulder Associates (HSA) offers specialized care for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries—tailored to your sport, goals, and timeline. With same-day access to fellowship-trained surgeons and evidence-based treatment plans, our mission is simple: to get you back to peak performance with precision and care.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the types of sports injuries, when to get help, and the treatments we offer so you can take the next step toward healing with clarity and confidence.

Sports Injuries Basics

Sports injuries are typically classified into two categories:

Acute Injuries

These happen suddenly and may include:

• Fractures of the fingers, wrist, or elbow due to high-impact trauma
• Dislocations, such as a jammed finger or dislocated shoulder
• Sprains and ligament tears, especially from abrupt movements or falls

Chronic Injuries

These injuries develop over time, often from repetitive motion or overuse. Common examples include:

• Tendinitis from strain on tendons in the wrist or elbow
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Nerve compression syndromes, such as carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome

These injuries are especially common in tennis, baseball, football, weightlifting, and gymnastics, where upper extremity movements are frequent and forceful.

When to Seek Treatment

It's tempting to push through the pain or assume an injury will resolve on its own, but this can lead to long-term damage. Warning signs that warrant prompt evaluation include:

• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness or instability
• Pain that persists or worsens with activity

Common Treatment Options

Conservative care: The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is effective for minor injuries. We also prescribe NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain.

Immobilization: Slings, splints, or braces help stabilize injured joints and prevent further damage during the early stages of healing.

Surgical treatment: For more complex injuries, including torn ligaments, fractures, or tendon ruptures, our surgeons use advanced microsurgical techniques to ensure optimal outcomes.

How Personalized Rehabilitation Programs Fit In Your Treatment Plan

Rehabilitation is critical in restoring strength, range of motion, and function. At HSA, we provide evidence-based physical and occupational therapy, incorporating:

• Therapeutic exercises and progressive resistance training
• Manual therapy, electrostimulation, and cryotherapy
• Regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections promote tissue healing and reduce downtime

Additional Recovery Support

True recovery requires a multifaceted approach to healing and performance. HSA offers:

Cryotherapy: This cold therapy reduces pain and inflammation by lowering tissue temperature, slowing metabolic activity in injured cells, and accelerating healing.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR safely limits blood flow to an injured limb during low-load exercises, promoting muscle growth without stressing healing tissues.

Nutrition: A diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals like zinc and magnesium aids tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances immune function.

Sleep: Deep sleep is crucial for healing, enhancing immune response and muscle repair, while poor sleep delays recovery and increases injury risk.

For athletes with chronic injuries, specialists create tailored protocols that may include longer rest, progressive therapy, and psychological support to address both physical and emotional aspects of recovery, particularly fear of re-injury.

Why Athletes Trust HSA

We’ve built a legacy of excellence in treating upper extremity injuries across the Chicagoland area. Our surgeons are fellowship-trained and board-certified, with decades of combined experience treating elite athletes, recreational sports enthusiasts, and active individuals of all ages.

You’ll benefit from:

• Eight convenient locations throughout the region
• Same-day access to top-tier orthopedic specialists
• A patient-first approach that prioritizes your goals, safety, and quality of life

From diagnosis through rehabilitation, we’re your trusted guide back to peak performance.

Don’t Play Through the Pain. We’re Here to Help.

If a sports injury limits your performance or quality of life, don’t wait. Trust the experts at Hand to Shoulder Associates to guide your recovery with advanced care and compassionate expertise. Schedule your same-day appointment today.

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