Injuries are a common but preventable occurrence for athletes, whether they come from repetitive strain or accidents. It may be frustrating to rest and wait as you recover, but proactive measures like physical therapy can contribute to the healing process. Here’s how athletes can benefit from working with a physical therapist.

How Physical Therapy Helps Athletes Recover

1. Restores Strength and Mobility

For an athlete, one of the hardest parts of recovering from an injury is the loss of muscle mass and range of motion. When you are unable to perform as well as you did before getting hurt, transitioning back into sports can be challenging, demotivating, and even dangerous. 

Physical therapy teaches targeted exercises designed to rebuild strength and improve movement. With realistic goals, motivation, and a personalized and professionally designed program, you’ll be back on your respective field in no time.

2. Manages Pain

Pain and discomfort are common ongoing complaints when it comes to sports injuries, and many people don’t wish to rely solely on medication. Fortunately, physical therapy is an effective pain management tool.

Rather than masking pain, it seeks to minimize discomfort by strengthening specific muscles and stabilizing joints. For example, if you are experiencing knee pain, your physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and other muscles that support the knees.

3. Prevents Future Injuries

While physical therapy is aimed at assisting you in recovery, it can also help you avoid getting hurt in the future. Many injuries can occur due to poor form, stress, overuse, or getting back into sports too early. Physical therapists are knowledgeable of the healing process, so they can track and guide your progress. They will teach you how to stretch, exercise, and move correctly to avoid injury.

Are you seeking physical therapy following a sports injury? Reach out to Step By Step Physical Therapy in Warsaw, NY. From Wyoming to Erie counties, patients with everything from neck pain to arthritis have trusted these physical therapists to help them find relief for over 30 years. With a wide range of therapeutic solutions to meet your needs and goals, you’ll have the innovative tools you need for a successful recovery. Call (585) 786-8700 to schedule a consultation. For a list of services, visit the website.