5 Common Spring Sports Injuries
By Dr. Amy Shahbazian, PT, DPT, OCS
We’ve made it through New York’s wild winter! As temperatures rise and days grow longer, athletes of all ages are returning to outdoor activities like running, soccer, tennis, baseball, and lacrosse. While spring sports are a great way to stay active, the sudden increase in activity after a sedentary winter often leads to a rise in injuries.
At ProClinix, we commonly see a number of injuries this time of year as athletes transition back into their training routines. Understanding these injuries—and addressing them early—can help athletes recover faster and return safely to the activities they enjoy. Here’s more about some common injuries we see:
1. Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, especially in sports that involve cutting, pivoting, or jumping such as soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. These injuries occur when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring mobility, strengthening the muscles that support the ankle, and improving balance and proprioception to reduce the risk of repeat sprains.
2. Knee Pain and Overuse Injuries
Increased running and jumping during the spring season can place added stress on the knee joint. Many athletes develop pain around the kneecap, often referred to as runner’s knee.
Weakness in the hips and core, poor movement mechanics, and rapid increases in training intensity can all contribute to knee pain. Physical therapy helps address these underlying issues through targeted strengthening, movement retraining, and load management.
3. Shoulder Injuries in Throwing Sports
Baseball, softball, and tennis athletes frequently experience shoulder discomfort due to repetitive overhead motions. These movements can strain the rotator cuff and surrounding structures.
Early treatment is important. A physical therapist can assess shoulder mobility, strength, and mechanics to develop a program that supports safe return to throwing and prevents further irritation.
4. Shin Splints
Many runners resume outdoor training in the spring, sometimes increasing mileage too quickly. This can lead to shin splints, which cause pain along the inner edge of the lower leg.
Treatment often includes activity modification, strengthening of the lower leg and hip muscles, and guidance on gradually returning to running.
5. Hamstring Strains
Sports that involve sprinting and sudden acceleration—such as soccer and track—can increase the risk of hamstring strains. These injuries often occur when muscles are tight, fatigued, or not adequately warmed up.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring flexibility, strengthening the hamstrings and gluteal muscles, and improving movement patterns to help prevent reinjury.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy plays an important role in both the treatment and prevention of sports injuries. A thorough evaluation allows physical therapists to identify contributing factors such as muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and movement dysfunctions.
Treatment plans may include:
- Targeted strengthening exercises
- Mobility and flexibility work
- Balance and stability training
- Sport-specific movement retraining
- Gradual return-to-sport programming
Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms
Many athletes try to push through pain early in the season, but small issues can quickly become bigger injuries if left untreated.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or decreased performance during spring sports, consulting with a physical therapist can help you recover safely and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Reach out to us to book an appointment today.
