We often think physical therapy is just for people recovering from an injury or surgery. That’s true, but did you know that athletes can also benefit greatly from physical therapy?
Athletes go through rigorous training and can often strain their muscles or get injured. Physical therapy helps restore and improve their mobility and address pain points. However, it’s essential to get treated by professional therapists.
Here’s why athletes who experience pain and mobility issues should consider physical therapy.
Many athletes wait too long to address minor injuries, thinking a few days of rest will solve the problem. But often, just taking a short break won’t make the pain go away; they end up aggravating the same injury. A specialist can help sportsmen get back in shape quickly.
This is especially important for athletes involved in sports like soccer, rugby, races, and mixed martial arts (MMA), which can be straining on the body without routine physical therapy.
If you’ve had pain for more than a couple of days due to a strain or injury during a game or training session, it’s time to consult a professional. Ignoring these minor symptoms can lead to chronic issues, hindering your ability to participate in sports. It’s important to treat injuries before they become long-lasting problems.
Physical therapy can prevent new injuries and stop old ones from returning. Athletes should aim to maximize their performance, and physical therapy can help them perfect their movements and mechanisms. With personalized physical therapy, you can overcome pain and injuries efficiently.
So, what are the main benefits of physical therapy for athletes?
Firstly, if an athlete undergoes surgery, physical therapy is a common post-procedure treatment to help them recover. Their body is in a fragile state and needs gradual strengthening. A physical therapist can work with athletes for as long as it takes to help them function normally again. It’s advisable to contact a local expert or professional for the right treatment.
Physical therapy improves neuromuscular control, ensuring various body parts work together harmoniously. This treatment focuses on joint movements near muscles, nerves, or tendons, allowing athletes to gradually increase their speed and movement.
Moreover, physical therapy can save players from expensive or painful surgeries. Under specific conditions and with a physical therapist’s approval, athletes might avoid surgery altogether. If athletes have pain in their lower back, meniscal tears, or carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy can often resolve these issues, saving them time, money, and stress.
Physical therapy also helps eliminate back, joint, and knee pain. With more people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have become more sedentary, leading to body pain. This inactivity is even worse for athletes who lack proper stretching or tailored exercises. Physical therapy can eliminate chronic pains and prevent their recurrence.
Additionally, physical therapy offers a safer alternative to addictive opioids for back pain. Regular stretches can relieve mild pain, and running can improve both mood and health while reducing pain.
Sports-related injuries can lead to vestibular and balance dysfunction, resulting in poor performance, vertigo, or a tendency to fall. Specialized vestibular physical therapy uses various exercises and techniques to address these issues.
Athletes often overextend their joints and tissues, causing injuries. Advanced physical therapy can help with such injuries and improve their range of motion. When athletes focus solely on one sport, they tend to develop a mix of strong and weak muscles. This disparity can lead to strains and sprains, hindering performance. Physical therapy uses cross-training exercises to develop all muscles proportionately.
Rotational load, necessary in many sports, requires athletes to generate and control rotational force over multiple joints. Physical therapy can improve joint torque and control.
Pelvic pain can affect anyone, including athletes, who may not know where to seek therapy. Professional therapists focusing on the musculoskeletal system can identify symptoms and create tailored exercise plans to meet individual needs.
A good physiotherapist will recommend specific exercises, including cardio workouts, to improve athletes’ cardiac and pulmonary health, enhancing their breathing patterns. A healthy cardiopulmonary system leads to better overall health and endurance during training or games.
The benefits of physical therapy for athletes are long-lasting, allowing them to recover faster and more effectively. Rehabilitation is more than just surgeries or treatments; it’s about adapting to changes, and physical therapy plays a crucial role in that process.
Athletes should consult a certified physiotherapist to evaluate their needs and develop a personalized treatment plan for swift recovery. While rest is important for healing, so is working the muscles. Strength training is key to making changes, and physical therapy is essential for that. Always choose physical therapy first!