Physical therapists have become one of the fastest-growing groups in the healthcare workforce. There are more than 225,000 of them working in the United States. That makes physical therapy the fifth-largest clinical occupation in the country that requires licensure and certification.

These statistics are, in part, the result of increased demand for physical therapy services. Many people have recognized the benefits it can bring, including in the treatment of sports injuries.

This article explains how physical therapy can speed up the healing process from sports injuries. Keep reading to find out the many advantages it can bring and whether it is the right approach for your situation.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy refers to exercises and movements done under the supervision of a trained professional. The goal is to help in recovery from injuries or following surgery. The main goals can include some combination of:

• Pain management
• Improved range of motion
• Healing from injuries
• Prevention of future damage

Physical therapy is often used to treat the symptoms of certain health conditions as well. Common ones include:

• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Lymphedema
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Urinary incontinence

Many other conditions and situations may warrant physical therapy services as well. In most cases, a primary care or other physician makes a referral for treatment.

How Are Sports Injuries Unique?

Sports injuries are distinct for several different reasons. One is that they are the result of specific movements or impacts, like jumping, collisions, or changing direction while running. These can result in acute or chronic injuries that are unique because of their nature.

Also, these injuries occur in an environment where athletes are pushing their bodies ot the limit. For instance, treating chronic tendonitis in a tennis player’s shoulder would warrant a distinct approach from someone who contracted it during everyday activities. It is easy to see how, with the athlete, the cause may be overuse.

A final way that sports injuries are unique is that they might bring about specific psychological impacts. Athletes may experience an elevated fear of reinjury or not being able to play ever again. That can instigate stress that another patient would not encounter.

How Physical Therapy Helps Speedy Sports Injury Recovery?

There are several advantages of physical therapy in treating sports-related injuries. Here are the main ones to consider.

Running Gait Analysis

Running gait analysis is another valuable tool in physical therapy for addressing sports injuries. This involves the physical therapist examining the patient’s running mechanics to identify any abnormalities or inefficiencies in their gait. By understanding these patterns, the therapist can pinpoint factors that may be causing or exacerbating the injury and recommend adjustments to improve performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Biomechanical Analysis

Another aspect of physical therapy that can aid in healing sports injuries is biomechanical analysis. This entails the physical therapist assessing the unique movement patterns of the patient. It lets them identify and correct issues that could be contributing to the injury or slowing recovery.

Individualized Care

One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy is that it involves individualized care. Reputable physical therapists will implement specialized treatment regimens based on the unique needs of each patient.

In general, they will be able to ascertain what is causing or exacerbating the injury (if not evident), such as specific movements in sports. They will take into account the athlete’s goals to return to the sport or to improve performance. They may weigh those with other aspects of recovery, such as limiting the potential for future injuries.

Pain Management

A related way that physical therapy can help sports injury recovery is that it is extremely good at treating pain. Therapists can use heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Manual therapy, including joint mobilization and tissue manipulation, can be effective as well.

Exercises that strengthen muscles or improve flexibility can help dissipate pain over time. Some physical therapists might recommend relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. These can help overcome the psychological impacts of pain.

Physical therapists can also treat chronic pain related to sports. This can help people manage pain during or following competition rather than simply masking it. These collectively impact sports injury recovery since reduced pain can help athletes resume workouts sooner and perform unencumbered.

Sport-Specific Rehabilitation

Physical therapists have myriad tools at their disposal to treat sports injuries. They can design customized exercise programs to target specific muscles and joints affected by the injury.

They might incorporate manual therapies, like joint or tissue mobilization, to restore strength and flexibility. These all can help restore strength and resilience, which is particularly valuable to athletes.

Functional Training

Physical therapists can help athletes regain specific skills related to the sport they play. This can ensure they are performing at their best when returning to the sport, along with expediting recovery. For instance, if a sport involves sprinting, then the recovery activities for a hip flexor strain may be different than for someone who merely aims to walk or jog in their daily lives.

Education

Education–especially related to prevention–is another aspect of physical therapy that can help athletes. It can be a vital part of recovering quicker from injury and avoiding it in the future.

Physical therapists can teach patients techniques to help avoid injuries. They can instruct them in ongoing conditioning exercises that can further reduce the risk of injury going forward.

Emotional Support

Good physical therapists will take into account the goal of patients to return to practice and competition as soon as possible. They also must balance this with the reality that recovery often takes time. This can be frustrating and otherwise emotionally trying for some patients, especially those who have a lot at stake.

Physical therapists can play a major role in supporting patients who are in this position. Assuring athletes that they are moving at a pace that minimizes recovery time without jeopardizing long-term health outcomes can be extremely encouraging and motivational.

Learn More About Physical Therapy Benefits and Sports Injury Recovery

Physical therapy is one of the most impactful things you can do to speed up recovery from sports injuries. Finding a physical therapist with experience treating similar injuries as yours can yield the best possible outcome.

Canyon Lake Chiropractic and Physical Therapy is a premier rehabilitation and chiropractic care clinic serving Las Vegas. We offer a variety of services, from standard physical therapy techniques to lightforce laser therapy, dry needling, gait analysis, and more. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for sports injury rehab today.