Explore Physical Therapy & Sports MedicinePhysical Therapy and Sports Medicine
Department of Rehabilitation Sports Medicine Program
The Department of Rehabilitation Sports Medicine Program at UConn Health offers preventative, rehabilitative, and performance-enhancing services that maximize functionality and promote well-being in patients of all ages and abilities. Our professional team includes advanced-credentialed physical therapists with expertise in the field of Sports Medicine. Our therapists work closely with all clinics to ensure optimal recovery, but as part of the Musculoskeletal Institute team, our therapists have the unique ability to work side-by-side with providers in the UConn Health Department of Orthopedic Surgery. This collaborative approach allows optimal communication, resulting in excellent patient outcomes.
Commonly seen conditions, including but not limited to:
- ACL Reconstruction
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Sprains and Strains
- Meniscal Repair
- Joint Replacement Surgery
- Ankle/Foot Injuries
Cervical Spine
Neck pain can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the discs, facet joints, nerves, and muscles. These disorders can be a result of trauma, postural imbalances, wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will begin your treatment with a review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings. Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and decrease inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Traction:
This is applied with either a specialized machine or with the therapists hands to decrease pressure on the discs, joints, and nerves.
Exercise:
This may be the most frequently utilized treatment for neck pain. This can include specific stretching or strengthening activities to improve the motion, strength, control, or endurance around your neck. Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Elbow
Elbow pain can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the tendons, ligament sprains and muscle tears. These disorders can be a result of trauma, overuse and wear/tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical examination and biomechanical evaluation, to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings. Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such and heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Exercise:
Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Foot & Ankle
Foot and ankle pain can result from a variety of disorders, including sprains, irritation of the tendons and connective tissues, and joint issues such as arthritis. These disorders can be a result of trauma, postural imbalances, wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical examination and biomechanical assessment, to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings. Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and decrease inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Orthotic management:
In some cases, a specialized foot orthotic can be used to control the motion around the foot and ankle to decrease stress and reduce pain. This may either be a pre-fabricated device, or a custom device made from a cast of your foot.
Exercise:
This may be the most frequently utilized treatment for neck pain. This can include specific stretching or strengthening activities to improve the motion, strength, control, or endurance around your neck. Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Hand & Wrist
Hand and wrist injuries can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the tendons, ligament sprains and tears, joint issues such as cartilage tears and arthritis. These disorders can be a result of trauma, overuse and wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical examination and biomechanical evaluation, to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings. Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and decrease inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Splinting or Upper Extremity Orthotics:
Custom or Prefabricated Orthosis specially designed to control motion and facilitate healing.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Exercise:
This may be the most frequently utilized treatment for neck pain. This can include specific stretching or strengthening activities to improve the motion, strength, control, or endurance around your neck. Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Hip
Hip pain can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the muscles, bursa, joint pathology including impingement, cartilage tears, and arthritis. These disorders can be a result of trauma, postural imbalances, wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical and biomechanical examination as well, to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings. Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such and heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Exercise:
Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Knee
Knee pain can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the tendons, ligament sprains and tears, joint issues such as cartilage tears and arthritis, and knee cap or patella femoral related issues. These disorders can be a result of trauma, postural imbalances, wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical examination and biomechanical evaluation, to determine the mechanism your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings.
Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and decrease inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Splinting or Upper Extremity Orthotics:
Custom or Prefabricated Orthosis specially designed to control motion and facilitate healing.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Exercise:
This may be the most frequently utilized treatment for neck pain. This can include specific stretching or strengthening activities to improve the motion, strength, control, or endurance around your neck. Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Lower Back Pain - Lumbar
Low back pain can result from a variety of disorders, including irritation of the discs, facet joints, nerves, sacroiliac joint, and muscles. These disorders can be a result of trauma, postural imbalances, wear and tear, and a variety of other mechanisms. Treatment begins with a thorough history, to help your therapist understand your pain. Your therapist will complete a thorough physical examination as well, to determine the reason for your pain. Treatment options are determined by your symptom behavior and evaluation findings.
Options available include:
Modalities:
A variety of methods such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used to help control your pain and decrease inflammation.
Manual Therapy:
This includes joint mobilization/manipulation to improve deficits in mobility, as well as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to decrease pain and improve mobility.
Traction:
This is applied with either a specialized machine or with the therapists hands to decrease pressure on the discs, joints, and nerves.
Education:
Your therapist will help you to understand your pain, and develop strategies that you can use to control your pain on a daily basis.
Exercise:
This may be the most frequently utilized treatment for neck pain. This can include specific stretching or strengthening activities to improve the motion, strength, control, or endurance around your neck. Most programs will also include a specifically tailored home exercise routine to help you continue your progress.
Distinct Programs
Preoperative Training
The objective of this program is to ensure that patients and their families are familiar with their postoperative protocol and any associated equipment such as a sling, brace, or crutches. Emphasis is placed on patient education and practice for proper fit and safe use of the device in order to protect the surgical repair.
Total Joint Preoperative Class
This interactive class is a requirement for patients who are undergoing a total hip or knee replacement. It covers topics such as surgical technique, hospital course, what to expect when going home, and rehabilitation. This collaboration between the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Services improves the continuity of patient care, satisfaction and overall outcomes.