Sports Related Injuries Chicago
Professional Treatment Care
Sports-related injuries in Chicago are common across all levels of activity, from organized athletics to recreational sports. These injuries can include acute trauma, overuse conditions, or complications following surgery. Effective treatment requires a clinical approach that targets both the root cause and the functional demands of your specific sport.
Physio Chicago delivers specialized care for athletes and active individuals by combining advanced physical therapy techniques with personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. Our team of experienced clinicians is committed to helping you recover efficiently, prevent reinjury, and return to your highest level of performance with strength and confidence.
Common Sports-Related Injuries We Treat
Sports-related injuries can involve nearly any part of the musculoskeletal system. Some of the most common conditions we see include:
1. Knee Injuries
Knee injuries rank among the most frequent sports-related issues, commonly involving structures like ligaments, cartilage, or tendons. Conditions such as ACL tears, patellar tendonitis, and meniscus damage can significantly impair mobility and strength, as outlined in clinical insights on knee injury epidemiology. At Physio Chicago, we provide progressive rehabilitation, including post-knee surgery care, to help patients regain stability, function, and confidence in their knee joint.
2. Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
The shoulder and elbow are vulnerable to trauma and repetitive stress in throwing or overhead sports. Common conditions include rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, dislocations, and tennis or golfer’s elbow. Our therapists focus on restoring range of motion, rebuilding strength, and preventing future injury through targeted therapy and education.
3. Ankle and Foot Injuries
Athletes frequently experience sprains, Achilles tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis due to jumping, running, or poor mechanics. Overuse injuries in runners are also prevalent. At Physio Chicago, we develop strength, balance, and proprioception to protect the ankle and foot, reduce recurrence, and return patients to pain-free movement and performance.
4. Hip and Pelvis
The hip and pelvis are central to power and movement. Labral tears, hip impingement, and gluteal tendinopathy often limit athletic output and daily activities. Our clinicians address these conditions with hands-on techniques and sport-specific rehab, helping patients recover function, reduce pain, and return safely to competitive or recreational activity.
5. Spine and Core
Spinal injuries in athletes often stem from poor posture, repetitive strain, or lack of core stability. Lumbar strains, core weakness, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction can compromise overall movement. At Physio Chicago, our treatments reinforce spinal alignment, build deep core strength, and improve mechanics to prevent chronic back-related performance issues.
6. Upper Extremity
Upper extremity injuries include wrist sprains, hand trauma, and shoulder impingement, often caused by falls, impact, or repetitive loading. Our team assesses joint mobility, muscle imbalances, and functional deficits. We develop rehabilitation plans that restore grip strength, joint function, and coordination, enabling a safe and confident return to sport.
7. Other Conditions
Not all sports injuries involve joints or tendons. Blisters, abrasions, and post-surgical complications also affect performance and comfort. At Physio Chicago, we provide support for wound care, surgery recovery, and overuse syndromes. Our integrative approach addresses both the root cause and the residual effects of each athletic condition encountered.
Why Choose Physio Chicago for Sports Injury Treatment?
Our Core Principles:
Individualized Care: Each session includes 45 minutes of direct time with a licensed therapist.
Clinical Expertise: Our therapists are trained in managing a wide range of orthopedic and sports injuries.
Proven Outcomes: We use measurable, goal-oriented treatment plans aligned with your recovery milestones.
Our Evidence-Based Approach to Sports Injury Recovery
At Physio Chicago, injury recovery begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the root cause of your symptoms. We don’t just treat the pain; we investigate movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and neuromuscular control.
Key Components of Our Treatment Plans:
Initial Evaluation
Detailed injury history
Functional movement screening
Range of motion and strength testing
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Manual therapy techniques
Corrective exercise prescription
Neuromuscular re-education
Sport-specific movement retraining
Goal Tracking and Communication
Weekly outcome assessments
Updates sent to referring providers or surgeons (as needed)
Clear guidance for return-to-play decisions
Get in Touch Today
Sports Injury Therapy – From Acute to Chronic Conditions
Injuries can occur suddenly during play or build gradually due to repetitive stress. Our team is equipped to treat both acute and long-standing conditions.
Acute Injuries (first 72 hours to 3 weeks)
In the acute stage of an injury (first 72 hours to 3 weeks), the focus is on reducing inflammation, managing pain, and preserving joint motion through gentle mobility work, manual techniques, and soft tissue management. This early phase lays the foundation for proper healing and helps prevent complications that could slow your return to activity, an approach aligned with clinical recommendations for effective recovery from injuries
Sub-Acute Phase (3 to 6 weeks)
As healing progresses, treatment shifts to restoring movement and addressing muscle imbalances. We implement manual therapy to improve soft tissue mobility and introduce progressive loading. Our therapists also correct movement compensations that may have developed during the acute phase to ensure proper mechanics during recovery and future activity.
Chronic Injury Treatment (6+ weeks or recurring)
Chronic injuries often require advanced rehabilitation strategies. We develop high-level strength and power programs, integrate return-to-sport drills, and examine lifestyle factors contributing to ongoing issues. This phase includes ergonomic coaching and long-term planning to restore athletic performance, minimize reinjury risk, and support sustained physical health and function.
Our Clinical Expertise: Meet Your Care Team
Our therapists come from strong clinical backgrounds and each bring their own specialty areas to the team. You’ll work directly with a dedicated provider throughout your plan of care.
Katie Swenson, DPT, CSCS
With experience treating high-level athletes, Katie specializes in hip, knee, and shoulder rehabilitation, both surgical and non-surgical. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, she bridges the gap between rehab and performance training.
Tom Dyke, DPT, OCS
A board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Tom has advanced training in concussion, vestibular disorders, and TMJ dysfunction in addition to general orthopedic care. His hands-on approach is ideal for athletes with complex injury histories.
Katee Housner, DPT
Director of our Bucktown clinic, Katee is a former Division I athlete who understands the mindset of injured athletes. Her training in women’s health, pelvic floor rehab, and endurance sports makes her a versatile clinician for runners, triathletes, and youth athletes.
Zoe Zelensky, DPT
With a background in orthopedic therapy and certification in Pilates, Zoe designs integrated recovery programs that prioritize stability, control, and long-term joint health.
Who We Treat: From Youth Athletes to Active Adults
Our patients include:
Youth athletes recovering from growth-related injuries
High school competitors managing sport demands with academic schedules
Collegiate athletes returning from surgery
Adult recreational athletes struggling with overuse or joint degeneration
Professional and semi-professional athletes seeking performance-level recovery
What to Expect During Your Sports Injury Treatment
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Assessment of your injury
Goal discussion (short- and long-term)
Baseline testing for strength, motion, and function
Step 2: Therapy Implementation
Manual treatment as needed
Structured progression of loading exercises
Performance drills tied to your sport demands
Step 3: Final Phase & Discharge
Re-testing functional benchmarks
Return-to-play clearance
Final education on injury prevention strategies
Preventing Re-Injury and Long-Term Recovery
We believe recovery does not stop when pain disappears. Preventing future injury is central to our process.
We focus on:
Sport-specific warm-up education
Correcting movement patterns
Muscle imbalance screening
Sport mechanics (e.g., running form, throwing technique)
Recovery routines (mobility, foam rolling, rest days)
We give athletes the tools to recognize early signs of trouble and adjust before setbacks occur.
Sports-related injury in Chicago can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be the end of your progress. With the right treatment, expert guidance, and consistent care, full recovery is possible. Our team is committed to helping you regain strength, restore movement, and return to the activities you enjoy most.
Your injury doesn’t define your future. It’s the first step toward coming back stronger. Book your appointment today and take the next step in your recovery.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury, but most sports injuries improve within a few weeks to a few months. Minor strains may heal in 2–4 weeks, while more complex injuries like ligament tears or post-surgical recovery can take several months of consistent physical therapy.
-
Start with the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Avoid using the injured area excessively, and seek professional evaluation within 24–72 hours, especially if pain, swelling, or loss of function persists. Early intervention can prevent complications and shorten your overall recovery time.
-
It depends on the injury. In some cases, modified exercise is encouraged to maintain fitness and mobility, but pushing through pain can worsen the condition. Always consult a licensed physical therapist or medical provider before continuing activity after a suspected injury.
-
No referral is needed in most cases. Illinois allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can book an appointment without seeing a doctor first. However, some insurance providers may still require a referral for reimbursement.
-
Most sports injuries benefit from physical therapy, especially those involving joints, muscles, or tendons. Common examples include sprains, strains, Tendonitis, ligament tears, fractures (post-cast), and overuse injuries. Therapy restores function, reduces pain, and helps prevent future injury.
