This week's question -
If I have a stretched ligament, can exercise help me?
My answer -
You may know that most ligaments cannot "heal" on their own from a tear because most ligaments do not have a direct blood supply. There is a common misconception that this means that surgery is the only treatment for a partially torn or stretched ligament. However, studies have found that strength training can thicken ligaments to double the size of those age/size matched controls who did not strength train.
If you have a fully torn ligament, this becomes more complex, more on that another time. However, if you have a partial tear/strain/ stretched ligament, getting on a proper strength training routine can help to thicken and stiffen that ligament and reduce pain and impairments related to it.
As a secondary benefit, ligaments most often get strained or partially torn due to poor mechanics putting too much pressure on that area. Performing a well written strength training regimen or working with a physical therapist can help to re-train these faulty mechanics to lessen the chances of future injury to the area.
Want to learn more about what type of training you should be doing to help your ligament injuries? Emails us at info@perfecttenpt.com for a FREE consultation.