Can You Recover from Joint Injuries Like Professional Athletes?

Q: Can You Recover from Joint Injuries Like Professional Athletes?

Hello Mr. <br>Lai： The issues caused by sports injuries are usually determined by the initial injury and the current use of the injured area. <br>Generally speaking, rest is the top priority after a sports injury. <br>However, many people believe that if there is no pain, they ar

Is it possible to recover from injuries to the throwing joint like professional athletes do?

Hello, doctor.
Due to improper exertion while playing baseball during high school, I have sustained a ligament strain in my joint.
It has been ten years, and although I can use my arm normally in daily life and perform push-ups during military service, I experience pain when I extend my arm straight down, raise it to 90 degrees, or lift it overhead to 180 degrees.
If I overexert the joint and ligament, I feel discomfort, and I can hear abnormal sounds from the ligaments during movement.
If this continues, I often experience soreness throughout the day.
Additionally, after the ligament injury, my joint occasionally makes loud noises, and if I throw with a bit more force, I feel a tearing sensation in the ligament, followed by soreness for the entire day.
Recently, I have tried a self-funded treatment called prolotherapy, which is not inexpensive.
It involves using high-concentration dextrose, administered once a month for six months.
I also take 2000 mg of high-dose vitamin C and fish oil daily, along with home rehabilitation, but I still do not feel any improvement.
The doctor mentioned that it may be necessary to draw blood for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

I would like to ask:
1.
Is it possible for me to recover to the level of moderate or even heavy use as I was before the injury?
2.
Given that my ligaments are lax, is there a way to restore them to their previous tightness without abnormal sounds, allowing me to throw with force? One clinic mentioned it is possible but will take longer, while another orthopedic doctor said that once laxity occurs, it cannot be restored.
Could you please provide your professional opinion on this?
3.
How do professional pitchers treat their injuries and manage to return to throwing with full force? I feel that spending money on treatments without results is not a solution, and I sincerely request your insights.
Thank you very much!

Mr. Lai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/25

Dr. Wang Huijun reply Rehabilitation

Hello Mr.
Lai: The issues caused by sports injuries are usually determined by the initial injury and the current use of the injured area.
Generally speaking, rest is the top priority after a sports injury.
However, many people believe that if there is no pain, they are healed.
In reality, this only indicates that inflammation has decreased, and it does not mean complete recovery.
Furthermore, without sufficient rest (which may not necessarily be from sports but also from daily activities), you may experience problems similar to what you have encountered, especially during extreme movements or certain angles.

The most concerning issue is the cracking sound, which indicates that there may be chronic inflammation or a reduction in synovial fluid in the shoulder joint.
The symptoms are as you described.

1.
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer on whether you can return to your previous condition.
From the perspective of a rehabilitation physician, I would assess your current lifestyle, exercise status, and the extent of rehabilitation.
Based on my experience, if you are not a professional athlete, recovering to 90-95% of your daily activities or sports should not be a problem.
However, if you aim to engage in intense training similar to that of professional athletes without experiencing pain in the long term, it can be quite challenging.
You can imagine that even well-known professional athletes also deal with pain issues.
2.
The reason for ligament laxity is that the injury has not fully healed.
Acute injuries may have a chance to recover to their original length, but if there is chronic inflammation or re-injury causing ligament laxity, it is unlikely to recover to 100%.
The human body is structured this way; just like aging, youth does not return.
However, returning to the first point, continuous rehabilitation can still help reduce accumulated damage.
3.
Professional athletes undergo specialized training, and their injuries often occur due to accidents.
They are very strict about rest and rehabilitation after sports injuries, aiming to minimize damage.
The general public may not understand their struggles, much like how women strive to maintain beauty and figure.
Different athletes have different levels and types of injuries, and the treatment methods vary.
While there are general principles, it is not possible to provide a complete answer here.
You can search online for information on sports injuries, which will yield a lot of resources.
The most important thing is rest and consistent ongoing treatment.

Reply Date: 2018/01/25

More Info

Recovering from joint injuries, especially those sustained in sports like baseball, can be a complex process that varies significantly from person to person. Your experience with a ligament strain and the ongoing discomfort you feel is not uncommon among athletes, whether professional or amateur. Let's address your questions one by one, while also providing some insights into the recovery process.

1. Can you recover to pre-injury levels of activity?
The ability to return to pre-injury levels of activity largely depends on the severity of the injury, the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program, and individual factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to treatment. In many cases, athletes can regain a significant portion of their previous functionality, often around 90-95%, especially if they follow a structured rehabilitation program. However, achieving the same level of performance as before, particularly in high-impact sports, can be challenging. This is due to the potential for chronic issues, such as lingering pain or instability, which can arise from incomplete healing or compensatory movement patterns developed during the recovery phase.

2. Can ligament laxity be restored?
Ligament laxity, or the feeling of looseness in the joint, can be a significant concern. While some degree of laxity may improve with rehabilitation, it is essential to understand that once ligaments are stretched or torn, they may not return to their original state. Some clinics may offer treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or other regenerative therapies, which aim to promote healing and potentially restore some function. However, opinions on the effectiveness of these treatments can vary among medical professionals. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and to focus on strengthening the surrounding muscles to compensate for any laxity in the ligaments.

3. How do professional athletes recover from injuries?
Professional athletes often have access to advanced medical care, including physical therapy, specialized training, and sometimes surgical interventions. Their recovery protocols are typically tailored to their specific needs and may include a combination of rest, rehabilitation exercises, strength training, and sometimes advanced treatments like stem cell therapy or PRP. Importantly, they also have the benefit of a support team that includes trainers, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors who monitor their progress closely. This level of care can significantly enhance recovery outcomes and help athletes return to their sport at a high level.

In your case, it sounds like you are already taking proactive steps by engaging in rehabilitation and considering various treatment options. However, if you feel that your current approach is not yielding the desired results, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a sports medicine specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and suggest a tailored rehabilitation program that addresses your specific needs.

Additionally, managing your expectations and mental health during this recovery process is crucial. It's common to feel frustrated or anxious about the potential long-term impacts of an injury. Engaging in mental health support, mindfulness practices, or even speaking with a sports psychologist can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with recovery.

In conclusion, while recovering from joint injuries can be a long and challenging journey, with the right approach and support, many individuals can regain significant functionality and return to their desired level of activity. Stay committed to your rehabilitation, communicate openly with your healthcare providers, and remember that recovery is often a gradual process.

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