After another pulsating weekend of football, week 5 of the NFL did not disappoint in the excitement factor. No matter which team you view and the injury list compiled from that game, there is a worrying trend in the amount of hamstring and thigh strains reported by all teams. New England Patriots receiver Phillip Dorsett II suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter and did not return to the game vs the Redskins. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins pulling up with the same injury. These are elite athletes who depend on power and speed to elevate their game. The importance of pre-game and post game warm ups is so important and essential to the longevity of any athlete, be it professional or non professional.

The constant stream of injuries each week, strongly suggests that whatever sport you are playing there is an essential requirement for training and stretching methods prior to every game. There will always be muscle injuries, overuse injuries, especially in a high contact sport like football and other fast and competitive sports.

Lets break down some of these injuries for our New Jersey based NFL teams , New York Jets and the Giants. After Week one we see the Giants lose Tight End Garrett Dickerson with a quadricep strain and wide receiver Darius Slayton with a hamstring strain. Jets also saw issues with hamstring strains.. both Wide receiver Braxton Berrios and cornerback Trumaine Johnson both picking up hamstring strains that will no doubt keep all of these players out for at least 3-4 weeks depending on the severity.

Even with game one coming after a long pre season of hard training and preparation, regular stretching and gym weight work on thighs and hamstrings. These injuries are so common place in professional sports aswell as local teams, schools, rec, travel, through football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, no matter what sport you or your child plays, there is always the threat of muscle injuries, they are just so common place.

With any hamstring or thigh problem, the immediate professional evaluation is key. Your local team or school will have someone on hand to assess the severity of you or your childs injury and give the best diagnosis possible. Sometimes the more severe injuries to just slight pulls or strains will always need a higher professional assessment. We pride ourselves on the quality professional and knowledgeable staff that we have here at NJOSMI, that will give you the best possible evaluation in relation to your injury and the subsequent recovery.

Sometimes we see slight muscle injuries mis-diagnosed and unfortunately these can turn into major tears or even ruptures. You could miss two weeks and be back playing, or risk it after one week and be playing on a potential muscle problem that is still there… In these cases we see many sportsmen and women take to the field only to hamper the injury that they think is repaired. In these cases a 2-3 week lay off can be a season ending injury. So always get that professional assessment and attention, it is key in getting you back to the field and playing the sports you love.

Physical therapy is crucial for proper healing after a sports injury or orthopaedic treatment.  Please visit our page on Sports recovery at NJOSMI for more information regarding your recovery or in turn call us at 973-284-7805 to evaluate your injury.