If you’re an athlete, of course you’re passionate about your sport! You probably train long hours, do the applicable cross-training and muscle-resting procedures, and you may know the ins and outs of carbo loading. Even if you’re not that hardcore, we commend you on the dedication to your chosen sport you have shown. After all, it’s not easy to wake up and get to work on the days you’d really rather be sleeping in.
All athletes, regardless of their calibers or age, are inherently vulnerable to injury. No matter if it’s repeated concussive force on the joints or a tear in a muscle or ligament, all athletes are always one step away from a possible career-ending ailment. That’s where sports physical therapy comes in.
What is Sports Injury Physical Therapy?
We’re happy you asked! Sports physical therapy, regardless of if it’s practiced in a DMR clinic, like Minneapolis Health and Wellness, is a branch (division) of physical therapy that works with injured people to get them back to prime performance, whatever that may mean for their age, ability level, or sport. That said, sports physical therapy isn’t just remedial; many athletes, regardless of their health, often see a sports physical therapist as a preventive measure so they can keep going strong for years.
Sports physical therapy differs from other types of physical therapy in that, as stated above, its focus is primarily on returning the athlete to their level of performance pre-injury. While other physical therapists might have similar, functionality-based goals, only a trained sports physical therapist has the knowledge and manual expertise to manage the healing of sport-related injuries. In other words, if you’re an athlete with specific, sport-based needs, don’t go to a generalized physical therapist.
Many specific injuries can fall under the treatment umbrella for sports physical therapy. Physical therapy for the knee and physical therapy for the shoulder are two common reasons one might see sports-centered physical therapist. Some sports physical therapists might even specialize in a given athletic pursuit. For example, our staff here at Minneapolis Health and Wellness specialize in cycling medicine, though we’re well-versed in treating other types of sport injuries too.
As different as these sports physical therapists are from other types of physical therapists, their purpose remains quite similar: to restore a given level of function to a specific area of their body, all with the purpose of allowing their clients to live life to the fullest again.
In Need of Sports Physical Therapy? Minneapolis Health and Wellness Will Meet You With Open Arms
No matter your age, competition level, or cause of sports-related injury, we’re here to help you get back on your feet. Give our Northeast office a call today at 612-750-7168.