Nearly every athlete will experience some form of injury in their sports career at some point. Getting you back on your feet as quickly as possible is the primary goal of physical therapy for sports. Your sports physical therapist will work to help you rehabilitate after an injury or surgery, or help you to reach peak performance if you’ve plateaued in your training. If you need physical therapy in San Diego, give us a call at Asis to learn how we can help you achieve your sports recovery and rehabilitation goals.
Physical Therapy for Sports in San Diego
Treating Sports Injuries with Physical Therapy
Many of the patients who come to see us at Asis Physical Therapy have received some type of sports injury. Physical therapy helps these people to recover properly from their injuries while preventing future injuries. Your physical therapist at Asis will diagnose your injury and work with you on an individualized recovery plan. We want to get you back to your favorite sport as quickly as possible!
Some of the treatments you are likely to receive while undergoing sports physical therapy will include:
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue massage
- Personal training
- Ultrasound
- Laser/Light Therapy
- Heat/cold application
- Neuromuscular re-education
While many athletes need help after an injury, physical therapy can also be used as an injury prevention method. Some of the most common causes of injuries can actually be prevented through the use of physical therapy. For example, core strengthening work with a physical therapist can prevent back injuries which would otherwise be avoidable. Runners can benefit from strength-building exercises that offer better joint protection for the knees and ankles. And so on!
Sports Physical Therapy for Pain Relief
Don’t try to “fight through” ongoing pain and don’t accept it as a “just a part of life.” Physical therapy can help with pain relief from a sports injury, in both the short-term and long-term. If you are in pain from a sports injury, your physical therapist will work to diagnose the pain and treat it as quickly as possible — without pharmaceuticals. Prescription painkillers can have side effects that impact your performance and reflexes.
Once short-term pain relief is accomplished with various therapies, we will work with you to treat the underlying cause of the pain, for long-term relief. True healing sometimes takes time, and your physical therapist will also help you to prevent re-injury.
Sports physical therapy is non-invasive. Every athlete knows that invasive surgery should be a last resort when it comes to treating an injury. It can take months of recovery time just to heal from the surgery, and then additional months to get back into peak physical shape. Your physical therapist may be able to treat your injury, even a serious injury, and help you recover from it faster using non-invasive therapies.
Peak Performance with Sports Physical Therapy
Physical therapists have knowledge and training related to physical training, technique, and form. Proper body alignment and form are crucial to achieving peak performance in your chosen sport. Technique training that a sports physical therapist can provide will help improve your speed, strength, coordination, and reflexes.
Cardio exercises that your therapist will work on with you will improve your heart health and overall health. Training for better neuromuscular control will help you to achieve more on the field and to become less likely to receive an injury whether you’re engaged in sports or your daily work. Improving your overall strength will provide benefits for your entire musculoskeletal system, which allows you to achieve peak performance.
Physical therapy for sports can also help to relieve stress, which allows you to get a better night’s sleep and recover faster. Breathing exercises, soft tissue and joint mobilization, and other physical therapy techniques will help you to be more relaxed and focused.
If you need physical therapy for sports, contact Asis in San Diego today to schedule an appointment!
