Frequently Asked Questions

• I tore my ACL. What can I expect?

  The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a very important ligament in providing multidimensional stability to the knee. If you want to return to a sport that requires running, jumping and pivoting, having ACL reconstruction may be the best choice. You and your surgeon can determine the best option together. If surgery is not your preference and the acute pain and swelling has subsided, then aggressive physical therapy for strength, balance, and coordination training is highly recommended. If you decide to have reconstructive surgery, then your physician and Professional Physical Therapist will work closely together on post-operative protocol for the rehabilitation of your knee.

• I have pain when throwing. Is it my rotator cuff?

  The shoulder joint has a large amount of motion to allow for throwing and reaching/lifting activities. This means that in order for the joint to be stable, the muscles have to work very hard during these activities. The primary muscle group that provides the shoulder stability is the rotator cuff and which is made up of 4 muscles and their associated tendons. Throwing can be very stressful on the rotator cuff, and if you experience pain in the shoulder region when throwing, then it is possible that you may be straining your rotator cuff. If rest does not provide relief, then you may need to get examined. A physical examination by a sports medicine specialist is the first step. The common diagnoses we see for athletes who have shoulder pain when throwing would be tendonitis of the rotator cuff, tendonitis of the biceps, damage to the labrum (cartilage), or instability (looseness) of the joint.

• What is Athletic Performance Training?

  Athletic Trainers are certified health care professionals who collaborate with physicians and physical therapists to optimize activity and participation of their athletes. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, evaluation, treatment and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. To become a certified athletic trainer, one must graduate with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited professional education program and pass a board certification exam. Most states also require licensure to practice.

• Is a sports medicine approach different from a traditional physical therapy approach?

  Yes, a true sports medicine approach to get an athlete back on the playing field usually involves close communication between the referring physician, the athletic trainer and the physical therapist. Each professional must have a good understanding of the physical demands of your sport in order to ensure a safe return. At Professional Physical Therapy, our physical therapists and athletic trainers are educated in managing sports injuries from the time they occur on the field, through the rehabilitation process and your eventual return to play.

• Do I need a doctor's referral to see a sports medicine physical therapist?

  In many states, including New York, you can see a physical therapist directly without a physician referral under Direct Access laws. However, insurance coverage may vary, so it’s worth checking your plan or contacting us to confirm what’s needed for your specific situation.

• How is an athletic trainer different from a physical therapist?

  Athletic Trainers are the first responders to sports injuries — providing on-field evaluation, emergency care, and injury prevention. Physical therapists take over for longer-term rehabilitation, restoring strength, mobility, and function after the initial injury. At Professional Physical Therapy, both work together on the same care team so athletes have continuous support from injury through return to play.

• How long does sports injury recovery typically take?

  Recovery time depends on the injury, its severity, and whether surgery is involved. Minor sprains may resolve in a few weeks, while post-surgical recoveries (like ACL reconstruction) can take several months. Your sports medicine physical therapist will build a personalized treatment plan with realistic recovery milestones for your specific injury.