0505050387
0505050387
Published on: 4th December 2024
Medically reviewed by: PT. Clinia Ramiscal
Medically reviewed by: PT. Clinia Ramiscal
For athletes, physiotherapy is a saviour in addressing sports-related injuries and pain. It takes care of biomechanical and physical aspects essential to support the health and well-being of professionals and sports enthusiasts. Including regular physiotherapy in recovery and training routine improves an athlete’s performance, and longevity, and treats musculoskeletal problems.
In the following blog, we will discuss the importance and benefits of sports physiotherapy, how to utilize athlete physiotherapy for sports injuries, and how to select the right sports therapist for yourself.
Table of Contents
What is Sports Physiotherapy?
The focus of physiotherapy for athletes is to prevent and recover from injuries arising from their active lifestyle and training. From tailored exercise programs to maintaining peak performance during competitions, physical therapy helps in many ways. Remember that general physiotherapy is different from the one for sports. In the latter, the aim is to:
Corrective Exercises:
Assess the athlete’s muscle imbalances, movement patterns, and biomechanics through screenings. Thus, a sports therapist suggests corrective exercises by examining the vulnerabilities and preventing injuries.
Proper Physical Routine:
A physiotherapist understands the type of physical activity the athlete needs and recommends necessary warm-up and cool-down exercises to prepare the body for the best and worst. They assist in increasing the flexibility and strength of the professional.
Prepare for Action:
Physical Therapy is about enhancing the muscle structure for sports activities and daily life so that the athlete is always ready for action.
Rehabilitation for Injuries:
Chronic injuries can occur due to incorrect exercises and movements. In a sports rehab, a physiotherapist helps to reduce stress on pain points and weak joints, guiding them to return to proper form.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Athletes
Sports physiotherapy helps to build endurance, strength, and a lot more. Let us understand other benefits it has for athletes:
Manage Pain:
Through Physical Therapy like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and cold/hot therapy, the therapist aims to reduce inflammation and pain so that the athlete can recover quickly and participate in activities.
Rebuild Strength:
With physiotherapy, a sportsperson can try a progression of exercises to stabilize health and areas injured. This aids in regaining strength and stability and tackles the risk of re-injury.
Education on Athlete Recovery:
A physiotherapist educates the athlete about sports rehab techniques involving identifying factors that may cause injuries, and how to prevent those. Thus, the professionals can make informed decisions and choose a better lifestyle practice.
Customized Treatment Plans:
When searching for a — sports therapist near me, you may wonder if the person will be able to understand your issues and prepare a proper treatment plan. However, be assured that a qualified physiotherapist can analyze the severity of the injury and prepare personalized treatment and recovery plans for manual exercises, healing, and therapies.
Different Healing Techniques:
A plan for physical therapy for athletes will contain different techniques to resolve the stiffness of muscles and joints. It will involve techniques like joint mobilization and stretching to restore the range of movements by manipulating the soft tissues. The exercises introduce real-life motor activities and skills the athlete requires for the specific sport.
Physiotherapy to Treat Common Sports Injuries
Physiotherapy can effectively address a variety of sports injuries. Here are some common types:
Pulled or Strained Muscles:
These occur when muscles overstretch or tear, often affecting the calves, shoulders, quadriceps, lower back, and groin. Treatment may include rest and specific exercises to aid recovery.
Stress Fractures:
Overuse can lead to stress fractures, particularly in the legs or lower feet. Physiotherapy focuses on exercises to relieve stress in the affected areas.
Whiplash Injury:
Caused by sudden neck movements, whiplash results in numbness, pain, and muscle damage. Gentle neck exercises and compression treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
Shoulder Impingement:
Constant eccentric shoulder movements can lead to impingement. Physiotherapy treatments may include Kinesio taping, rest, ice therapy, and strengthening exercises.
Tendonitis:
Inflammation of tendons results in micro-tears. Alongside medication, sports physiotherapy can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Contusions:
These occur from heavy impacts, leading to swelling or bruising of muscles. Treatment plans typically involve gentle range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and immobilization through rest.
Physiotherapy can also assist with various other conditions, including:
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Wrist strains
- Golfer’s elbow
- Lower back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Groin pulls
- Hamstring strains
- Shin splints
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon ruptures
- Plantar fasciitis
Choosing the Right Sports Therapist
Are you looking for a sports therapist near me? Here is how to do it the right way:
- Always opt for a physical therapist with expertise and proper qualifications to deal with sports-related injuries and activities.
- Understand the different physical therapy for athletes and related services available, their costs, and other details.
- When searching for an athlete’s physiotherapy, find one easily accessible at your location. Select the one who can meet the timing for visits as per your schedule.
When Should Athletes Select Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries?
As sports physiotherapy is crucial, an athlete must know when to go for it considering the following factors:
- If the athlete is new to sports or active in the same, they must maintain good health and flexibility. Thus, regular physiotherapy is recommended in such incidents.
- If athlete recovery from injury is the need of the hour, then physiotherapy is mandatory. Post-injury rehabilitation is a must so know the type and frequency of the sessions for recovery.
- For long-term athletic performance, a sports therapist visit can help with ongoing physiotherapy. The professional may also share tips for physical health wellness.
Did You Know?
Physical education was important in ancient Rome and Greece, especially in an adolescent’s life. It was first in ancient Greece and Rome that sports therapy originated to reduce injuries in Olympic athletes.
Physical Therapy by First Response Healthcare
Are you into sports or an athlete but worried about sports injuries? Then stay relaxed. First Response Healthcare (FRH), is here to ease sports injuries with physiotherapy at home service. We offer qualified sports therapists at your convenience, with holistic support to take you through complete recovery, in complete privacy. Choose First Response Healthcare, and find relief just a call away.
Conclusion: Sports Physiotherapy and Its Growing Importance
More and more people are accepting physiotherapy for pain relief and physical therapy. Physiotherapy has become a mainstream treatment worldwide, even so in Dubai. According to the Dubai Health Authority, there are specific standards for physiotherapy services that health facilities and professionals must adhere to in Dubai. Thus, athletes and the general population can find relevant support and therapy from clinics aimed at physiotherapy and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What should I expect during a sports physiotherapy session?
The sports therapist will assess your health and injury, understand the symptoms and your lifestyle, level of physical activities, and routine for specific sports. The physiotherapist will then prepare a treatment plan and discuss about sessions necessary, and how to execute the same.
Q. How can I find a qualified sports physiotherapist near me in the UAE?
When looking for a sports therapist near me in the UAE, consider contacting First Response Healthcare for a qualified physiotherapist. They are trained to address several sports injuries and improve performance.
Q. Are there any specific injuries that require specialized sports physiotherapy?
Yes, injuries to tendons, muscles, joints, and soft tissues in the body caused by sports may require physiotherapy and medical assistance. Physical Therapy options can deal with pain, injury, inflammation, and other issues.
