Physical Therapy Tips for Soccer Players

If you play soccer and you experience knee pain, swelling, or bruising after injuring yourself, it may be time to seek help from a physical therapist near you.

What are Some Common Injuries for Soccer Players?

Because soccer is a sport that involves a lot of running and kicking, most soccer players suffer from injuries related to the legs and knees. Some common injuries soccer players may experience are:

• Shin splints
• Achilles tendonitis
• Stress fracture
• Ankle sprain
• Concussion
• Hamstring Injury
• Calf strain
• Meniscus tear
• ACL injury

How Can Physical Therapy Help Soccer Players?

Physical therapy is a great way to help soccer players heal after injury or surgery. It can help the body to heal faster and prevent future injury from occurring!

Physical Therapy Tips for Soccer Players

When it comes to soccer injuries, the best physical therapy tip is to prevent an injury from happening in the first place. That is not always possible, but here are some physical therapy tips to prevent and relieve pain from soccer injuries:

1. Warm Up & Cool Down

Before every practice and game you should take time to warm up. Foot work activities, jogging, and stretching are all great ways to get the body loose. Warming up can help to prevent injury from sudden movement or twists during the game.

Cooling down is also important. When you cool down, do some light activity like walking or jogging as well as some stretches.

2. Eat Healthy & Fuel Up

Eating healthy is a great way to keep your bones strong and build muscles, which can help to prevent and heal injuries. Aim for a diet filled with whole foods and protein. Try to avoid highly processed foods and fast food as much as possible. In addition, always make sure to eat a healthy snack or meal before your game or practice.

3. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration can help to prevent injury. It is extremely important to hydrate the day of your game or practice as well as before and after.

4. Don’t Play Through Pain

If you are experiencing pain during your soccer practice or game, do not keep playing through it. Talk to your coach and take a break. Playing when you are already injured can worsen your injury and increase the amount of time it takes to recover from your injury.

5. Talk to a Physical Therapist

If you are suffering from a soccer injury or you just want to prevent future soccer injuries, talk to a physical therapist about your options. They will evaluate your condition and goals, and come up with a variety of strengthing and stretching exercises to get you back on the field.

Many of the physical therapists at MPOWER Physical Therapy work with athletes of all levels, and some specialize in specific sport injuries.

If you or someone you know is in need of physical therapy for a soccer injury, you can schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists in Nashville, Franklin, or Brentwood, TN. To schedule an appointment, call us or request an appointment online.

Author

Marina von Rutenberg
Marina is the Marketing Coordinator for Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics. She has been writing and reviewing medical content since 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-von-rutenberg/