Sports therapy is a specific form of therapy, designed for athletes and those sustaining sporting injuries. So, if you're searching for "sports therapy near me", look no further than this blog. We will help you understand what sports therapy is and how it can help you!
What is Sports Therapy?
Sports therapy is a branch of physiotherapy in the sense that is dedicated to preventing and rehabilitating sports injuries. It involves a range of treatments, including massage, electrotherapy, and acupuncture, as well as exercises and education aimed at preventing injury. Sports therapy is suitable for all levels of athletes, from amateur to professional.
Sports therapy uses the principles of sport and exercise science to incorporate physiological and pathological processes to prepare clients for training, competition and sometimes work.
Often, sports therapy is utilised after an injury, where athletes require therapy to return to their optimum levels of performance. However, sports therapy has preventative properties as well. Using sports therapy to prevent injury is effective as it can help to identify and correct imbalances in the body that may lead to injury. It is also useful for treating overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, that are common in athletes.
Sports therapy is an important part of any athlete’s training regime. It not only helps to prevent injuries, but can also aid in the rehabilitation process following an injury. Whilst it is commonly used by athletes, it is available and effective in dealing with sports injuries for amateurs, all the way to elite performers.
How Does Sports Therapy Differ to Physiotherapy?
Sports therapy and sports therapy are often used interchangeably, however there is a difference between the two terms. Sports therapy is a branch of physiotherapy in which therapists specifically deal with treating injuries related to sporting activities. Sports therapists, on the other hand, are health care professionals who not only treat injuries but also focus on preventing them.
A sports therapist is often trained in physiotherapy and will utilise physiotherapy in their treatment plans. One such practice is manual therapy, which is the use of hands-on techniques to relieve pain, promote healing and increase mobility. This can include massaging the affected area or using stretching and mobilisation exercises. Mobilisation and strengthening exercises are particularly common in sports therapy. These are techniques that involve using repetitive motions and weights to gently stretch and strengthen the muscles. They are designed to target the weak or injured area to enhance the strength, stability and range of movement.
Another common physiotherapy treatment used in sports therapy is electrotherapy. This involves applying electrical currents to the affected area, either through a machine or with electrodes called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Electrotherapy can be used to treat soft tissue injuries and reduce pain associated with movement.
Sports therapists will also often advise on things such as nutrition and injury prevention. This might involve giving advice on warm-ups and cool-downs, as well as helping athletes to maintain a healthy weight.
Whilst very similar to standard physiotherapy, in sports therapy, there is simply more emphasis placed on sport itself and using specific treatments or exercises to enhance recovery or prevent injury.
Sports therapy can be beneficial for athletes of all levels, from professional to recreational. A sports therapist can help you recover from an injury and get back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible. They can also provide advice on how to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.
How Does Sports Therapy Differ to Chiropractic Care?
Sports therapy and chiropractic care are often confused because they both focus on treating musculoskeletal injuries. Both sports therapy and chiropractic care can help to treat a wide range of injuries, including pulled muscles, sprains, and joint pain. They can also help prevent future injuries by helping patients improve their overall strength, flexibility, and posture. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Sports therapy is a branch of physiotherapy that specifically deals with the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Chiropractic care is a separate profession that also focuses on the musculoskeletal system, but takes a slightly different approach to treatment.
Sports therapists use a variety of techniques to treat injuries, including massage, exercises, and electrical stimulation. Chiropractors primarily use manipulative techniques to adjust the spine and other joints. Chiropractors adopt a holistic approach to finding the solution, much like sports therapists. However, they consider the benefits of adjustments and aligning the skeletal system to enhance range of movement. Sports therapy does consider this, however it often uses physical therapy and focuses on muscles to enhance recovery or prevent injury.
If you are an athlete or participate in regular exercise, it is important to consider both sports therapy and chiropractic care as part of your injury prevention routine. With the right treatment plan and rehabilitation regimen, you can stay healthy and active no matter what level you play at. At Falcon Health, we understand the importance of therapy, as well as exercises and nutrition in rehabilitation. Hence, our comprehensive, bespoke plans consider all aspects of rehab to ensure your recovery from injury.
Sports Therapy at Falcon Health
At Falcon Health, we can provide therapy for all forms of sporting injury. Whether you come to see us for chiropractic care, sports therapy or physiotherapy in our clinic, we are certain that our team can find the best solution for you.
Our sports therapist Katie is highly trained in Sports and Remedial massage, with over 10 years of experience. Katie also has experience at competing at the highest level. Having represented Wales in two world cups for Lacrosse, Katie knows just how important sports therapy is to athletes. You can rest assured, knowing that Katie can help you get back to your best in no time!
If you are searching for physiotherapy in Burgess Hill, our consultant physiotherapist, Marcin also has extensive experience in providing physiotherapy in many sports settings. Marcin uses physiotherapy and medical acupuncture to help clients get back to their optimum.
If you would like to learn more about our sports therapy and physiotherapy in Burgess Hill, or any of our services, explore our website or contact us today on 01444 257555 or info@falcon-health.com. We look forward to hearing from you and finding a solution together.
Article: Phoenix Marketing