A study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine calculates that nearly 10 percent of Olympic athletes will compete with an injury sustained during competition or in training leading up to the Olympic Games. Sports with the highest rate of serious injury include bobsled, ice hockey and alpine freestyle skiing. Most frequent injury sites include head, spine and knees, with the most common types of injuries being bruising, ligament tears and muscular sprains.
“While the Winter Games always provides a prime seat to watch the journey of athletes vying to become Olympic Champions, there is also a very present element of physical danger, often resulting in the breakdown of the human body,” said Teresa Malone, PT and owner of Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine in Great Bend. “The drama surrounding the Olympics offers us a chance to witness the human body pushed to its limits. By witnessing and learning from injuries, we can better teach everyday people how to avoid bodily harm.”
Teresa Malone  and the staff at Advanced Therapy & Sports Medicine have helped many athletes prepare for competition. “We are proud of the results achieved at the clinic and with the trainer at Great Bend High School, Ryan Zink, ATC, MS. We see athletes from all sports at the high school and college level. Early intervention is key and with Ryan at the high school he is often able evaluate immediately and set up the follow up care required. We also help those adult sports enthusiast when they over extend at their sport of choice such as the adult basketball player, soft ball enthusiasts, golfers and the general weekend warriors!
In 2014, 12 new winter events will debut at the Olympic Games. Women’s ski jumping, a biathlon mixed relay and ski half-pipe are examples of sports added to a long list of events that test skill, endurance and athletic ability.
“With the continued evolution of the games, the role of a physical therapist is even more essential,” said Teresa Malone, PT. “A physical therapist manages rehabilitation post injury but more importantly, the physical therapist can help an athlete prevent the injury from the outset.”