As experienced athletes know, physical therapy is one of the most important weapons in every athlete’s arsenal. Not only can sports medicine physical therapy make you more competitive in general, but it’s the key to a fast, less painful recovery.

Even more important than helping you dominate in your chosen sport, physical therapy is key in helping to prevent re-injury after you return to that sport.

What Is the Role of Physical Therapy in Sports Injury?

Sports physical therapists have not only studied and practiced physical therapy extensively, but they specialize in athletic training and sports injuries.

This specialized training allows them to understand not just the common injuries of various sports, but also the physical improvements needed for specific athletic moves.

When an injured athlete begins sports medicine physical therapy, the specialist is able to design a rehabilitation plan tailored to healing the injury and return to the specific sport — all with an eye to improving performance and avoiding reinjury.

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Athletes

Why is physical therapy important after an injury? Sports medicine physical therapy is routinely recommended for injured athletes because it is a time-tested method for getting back to recreational or competitive sports as soon as possible, with the least overall impact.

Faster Recovery From Injuries
Athletes are always eager to get back to their sport. PT works quickly to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing for that swift return.

Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Physical therapists work injured joints and surrounding areas gently but efficiently, helping to improve both range of motion and flexibility. That targeted treatment not only improves performance, but reduces the risk of further injury.

Pain Management Without Over-Reliance on Medications
Often, athletes are restricted in terms of what substances they can take for pain. Fortunately, physical therapists can perform a full range of drug-free pain management, with treatments such as heat, icing, massage and therapeutic exercises.

Injury Prevention Strategies
Physical therapists work with athletes to determine which actions might tend to cause injury in their sport, and how to avoid further issues. Some methods include technique improvement and strengthening moves.

Enhanced Strength and Performance
The specific muscle groups each sport requires — as well as the type of overall muscle mass —  can vary widely. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a physical therapist who can target your therapy to the type of sport you’re pursuing.

Common Injuries Treated With Sports Physical Therapy

While each sport tends to have its own specific perils, some injuries are common to a cross-section of athletes.

Sprains and Strains
Although these injuries to ligaments, tendons or muscles tend to be short-term, physical therapy can hasten healing — and prevent you from turning them into an ongoing problem.

ACL Tears and Knee Injuries
Several sports force the knee into sudden twisting and extending motions, making ACL tears and other knee problems a pressing concern.

Tendinitis
Inflamed tendons can be caused both by sudden movements during an athletic move, or by the kind of repetitive motion required by many sports.

Rotator Cuff Injuries
This shoulder injury, like tendinitis, often comes from repetitive motion or from a sudden injury.

Shin Splints and Stress Fractures
New runners are especially prone to inflammation of the lower leg. Stress fractures are another issue caused by repeatedly putting weight on the lower part of the body.

Advanced Techniques Used in Sports Physical Therapy

More than just basic rehab exercises, sports physical therapy uses advanced equipment and techniques to speed healing and get you back in fighting form. These methods include:

Manual Therapy and Massage
Improves circulation, eases tension and pain, and helps therapists further diagnose problem areas.

Electrical Stimulation
Builds muscles, reduces pain and improves circulation.

Red Light Therapy
Acts as a safe substitute for sunlight to help blood cells speed healing and synergize overall energy.

Compression Therapy
Improves circulation and mobility, while easing soreness.

Antigravity Treadmill
This Alter G equipment allows athletes to start with a low-impact workout and gradually build resistance, using NASA-developed technology.

When Should an Athlete See a Sports Therapist?

If you’re not sure whether your sports injury is severe enough to warrant physical therapy, here are a few questions to ask yourself. Even just one “yes” answer indicates that PT could be the solution.

Can I still not put weight on an injured area, or have swelling or bruises that don’t go away?

Am I experiencing recurring injuries to the extent that I never feel fully recovered?

Am I experiencing chronic pain or discomfort that impacts my athletic performance?

Have I recently had surgery and been told that I need rehab before I can return to my sport?

Are you in need not just of generalized physical therapy, but of PT that helps you get back to being the athlete you were born to be? If you’re looking for a sports physical therapist near you, learn about the rehabilitation services at Mississippi Sports Medicine and schedule a consultation today.