Understanding Medical Restrictions

Playing a contact sport can take a toll on the body. Repeated collisions with other players can result in nagging injuries that affect your performance on the field. Physical therapy can be a valuable tool for any athlete looking to relieve his or her pain and reduce the likelihood of serious injury.

Use a sports physical therapist off the field to help you improve your performance on the field in the future.

Physical therapists can treat pain.

Contact sports often result in minor injuries that cause a player pain. If you are experiencing any muscle soreness or joint pain after a game, a physical therapist can help you find the relief that you are looking for.

Physical therapy techniques include the use of massage, heat therapy, and other relaxation techniques to soothe sore muscles and joints. A supervised stretching regimen can also be completed in a physical therapy clinic to help you find relief from your chronic sports-related pain.

Physical therapy can increase flexibility.

The flexibility of the body plays an important role in determining how well you are able to absorb an impact while playing a contact sport. Many athletes overlook the need to improve their flexibility, but a physical therapist can help.

A physical therapist can design a customized stretching routine that will release muscle tension and increase the range of motion you have in each joint. A better range of motion means that you will be able to absorb the impact of a hit while engaging in your favorite contact sport without sustaining a serious injury.

Physical therapy can improve your exercise routine.

In order to perform at optimal levels on the field, athletes need to spend time in the gym strengthening and conditioning their bodies. The way that you exercise can have a significant impact on your ability to withstand injury upon impact.

A physical therapist can evaluate your movements and help correct your exercise technique. This maximizes the muscular protection provided to each of the joints in your body, allowing you to prevent a serious injury in the future.

Targeted movements can also be prescribed by a physical therapist to target weak muscles you might not be addressing through your regular exercise routine.

Working with a physical therapist can be a simple and effective way to improve the way you feel after each game. The pain relief, increased flexibility, and effective exercise routines available in a physical therapist's office should be an integral component in any athlete's training program. For more information, contact a local clinic like Atlantic Physical Therapy Center.