The term “overuse” injury can be confusing. In many cases, “misuse” is more accurate, especially regarding sport injuries. This applies to nearly every sport. While recovery is crucial—and rest can help tissues heal and resolve symptoms—there’s often an overlooked component. Sports injuries frequently occur due to problems with mechanics. These issues arise from muscle imbalances or biomechanical changes that increase strain on specific body parts, eventually leading to injury.

Often, these mechanical alterations are subtle. However, over time—especially for athletes training extensively—they can cause significant tissue breakdown. The risk of sports injuries increases as these factors accumulate.

Have you, or someone you know, ever taken time off due to a sport injury, only to see the same issue return when training resumes? It’s common and nothing to be ashamed of. This situation serves as a clear sign to seek treatment and break the cycle of recurring injuries.

If you’re injured, consulting a physical therapist can greatly benefit you. A physical therapist can evaluate your mobility, strength, and mechanics. They will help you determine whether overtraining caused your injury or if other factors are at play. These experts specialize in identifying movement patterns and can spot issues you might not notice.

No athlete enjoys hearing, “You need to sit out.” However, taking the time to recover properly, address the root cause of your injury, and strengthen the affected area can prevent further setbacks. By adopting this proactive approach, you can return stronger and avoid losing more time later in the season to recurring sport injuries.