Did you know that millions of people experience some form of sports injury every year? Bicycling is the worst offender, and many people consider that a safe activity.
When you experience a sports injury, it can leave you unable to play or exercise for weeks (if not longer). Why not invest in sports physical therapy to help hasten the healing process?
Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Read on to learn some of the top benefits of visiting a sports physical therapist.
1. Reduces Risk Of Injuries
When you visit a sports physical therapist, they can work with you to make sure that you’re doing all of your physical activities with proper form so you can stay safe.
Many sports and exercise injuries are the result of poor form. It’s easy to hurt your back if you don’t know how to exercise the right way.
A good physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine will observe your form to make sure that you’re not setting yourself up for injuries.
2. Faster Recovery Time
If you do happen to get injured while you’re exercising or participating in a sport, you may find that sports physiotherapy will help you shorten your recovery time.
Many doctors will recommend that you do physical therapy before you do any kind of surgical treatment for your sports injury. This physical therapy may remove the need for surgery or help hasten your post-surgical recovery time.
If you go to a physical therapist, you’ll have an individualized treatment plan for a lower cost than standard medical treatment.
3. Reduces A Need For Medication
Are you tired of taking pain medication after sports injuries? While sometimes these medications are necessary, a good physical therapist might be able to help you cut down on them.
They use physical manipulation and exercises to reduce your pain and treat the root cause. Medications put bandages on the problem instead of fixing it.
4. Improves Strength And Mobility
Did you know that sports therapy can help you get stronger, more mobile, and more flexible? It’s true! Someone who specializes in sports performance physical therapy knows how to enhance your strength and flexibility so you can perform to the best of your ability (and prevent injuries while you’re at it).
Physical therapists can come up with individualized stretching and exercise plans that will help you work the muscles that don’t get enough attention while you’re playing sports and working out. These stabilizing muscles will keep you safer and stronger while you play.
5. Immediate Relief
While a physical therapist won’t be able to heal you immediately, they can offer immediate pain relief through massage therapy and adjustments.
It may take several sessions before you get enough relief to get back into the game or stop taking medication, but you will leave your sports physical therapy session feeling better than when you started your appointment.
Is Sports Physical Therapy Right For You?
If you play a sport or participate in heavy exercise, it’s a good idea to have a sports physical therapist on your side. They can keep you safe and help you recover from injuries so you can get back into the game.
Talk to your local physical therapist today.
For more helpful articles all about keeping yourself active and healthy, check out the rest of the site.