The worst news an athlete or sportsman can get is that they will not be able to “play the game” because of a sports-related injury or physical limitation.
This is where Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy for athletes comes in. Sports physical therapists are trained and certified professionals who exclusively deal with injuries and overall physical fitness related to sports and exercise. They balance exercise science, physiological factors, nutrition, and even sports psychology to treat their clients. Treatment techniques include massage, electrotherapy, muscle strengthening, water therapy, and core stability training.
Sports medicine professionals include medical doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and even massage therapists. Their training and knowledge encompasses assessment and diagnosis, treatment, management and referral, rehabilitation, education, and prevention.
Physical therapists are experts in how the healthy human body should move, remain mobile, fit, and active through life. The aim of all physical therapy is to restore function and mobility, manage or alleviate pain, and return an individual to their lifestyle and athletes to their sport.
Targeted and expert physical therapy can transform the individual’s ability to deal with sports challenges. Qualified and certified sports therapy centers utilize cutting edge sports science and treatments to achieve optimal athletic fitness and potential. They understand the demands of training, and advise on how to prevent injuries, relieve pain, and optimize performance.
What Conditions Does a Sports Physical Therapist Treat?
Conditions treated include all types of injuries to :
- Neck & Spine
- Hand
- Elbow
- Knee
- Hip
- Shoulder
- Ankle/Foot
The Giant Umbrella of Sports Medicine
Sports physical therapists provide treatment for non-surgical and surgical injuries and conditions:
- Pre and post surgery consultation and treatment
- Pre and post op exercise programs and therapy
- Instrument-guided soft tissue mobilization (SASTM)
- Fascial release
- Joint mobilization
- Muscle strengthening exercises
- Stretches
- Trigger point release
- Plyometrics (Multidirectional movement exercises)
- Sport-Specific Skill Training
- Strength Training Workouts
- Treadmill Exercises
Benefits of Sports Physical Therapy
Functional Testing
The sports physical therapist will put the athlete through a series of routines to test and assess their functionality and mobility, looking for areas of pain and weakness.
Unique Treatment Plan
This test data becomes the base for a customized treatment plan taking in weaknesses, painful areas, and the physical and positional demands of their specific sport.
Prevention Techniques
The aim of sports physical trainers is to heal sports injuries. Simultaneously, they focus on providing tools and exercises to maintain strength, balance, and fitness to prevent a recurrence of these injuries or issues.
Reduce or Eliminate Pain
Therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and manipulations with equipment such as ultrasound, taping, or electrical stimulation to relieve pain, restore muscle and joint function, and may prevent recurrence.
Avoid Surgery
Effective physical therapy may eliminate the need for surgery, hasten recovery, and reduce healthcare costs.
Improve mobility
Stretching and strengthening exercises and assistive devices restore mobility.
Certified Athletic Trainers
A customized physical therapy program can help individual sportsmen and athletes, and entire sports teams return to their prior level of functioning via ongoing care from a team of professional sports physical therapists on or off the sports field. They will learn and be encouraged in activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent further injury and improve overall health and wellbeing.
At Endeavor Rehab Center, our friendly, experienced staff provides personal and knowledgeable care for all of our patients. You can reach us at our main office at (512) 284-7192 or use our online appointment request form.
