What Is Sports Physical Therapy?
Sports physical therapy is a method of treatment for any injury. Unlike standard physical therapy, sports physical therapy focuses on healing the injury and less on mobility and pain reduction. The goal of sports therapy is to get the person back to their maximum level of function.
What Does the Provider Do?
A sports physical therapist works with athletes and other active people to rehabilitate them after an injury. They work with all types of athletes who have had an injury while playing their sport. A sports physical therapist provides treatment for injuries and offers exercises and guidance on preventing future sports injuries.
Who Should Consider Sports Physical Therapy?
Regardless of age or ability level, any active individual should consider this type of physical therapy after an injury. A person may also want to work with a sports physical therapist if training for a special event. For example, a person training for their first half-marathon may wish to work with a sports physical therapist to prevent common injuries in runners, such as shin splints. An active person who spends a lot of their leisure time engaged in physical activity should work with a sports physical therapist if an injury has prevented them from engaging in their preferred activities.
How Does Sports Physical Therapy Benefits Patients?
After an injury, an athlete may heal faster and regain full function by working with a sports physical therapist. Competitive athletes who want to avoid an injury that would affect their ability to practice and compete also benefit from the services of sports physical therapists. Injury prevention allows athletes to maximize their potential and stick with their rigorous training programs.
