Athlete injury can be a serious complication in competitors of all ages, standing in the way of competition opportunities and future successes. Far too often, injuries aren't something that can be bounced back from without professional help. When in doubt, the best way to improve sports performance is to make physical therapy a part of long-term care. From manual manipulation to tools like NeeHab that allow the muscles to stretch, strengthen, and heal, the right approach to rehabilitation can make or break sports performance after athletic injuries.
Physical Therapy and Injury Recovery
Sports injuries can happen to any athlete at any time. However, a therapist with knowledge of the muscular and skeletal system can make sure a potentially dangerous injury isn't the end of a long and beneficial career. Even situations that pose a huge risk to abilities, like ACL surgery recovery, MCL tear recovery, and even severe knee injury, can be alleviated with the right approaches and therapy tools.
How Physical Therapy Can Benefit Athletic Injury
There are a lot of advantages in physical therapy for athletic injury, especially where performance is concerned. Without taking time to properly heal muscles, an injury can worsen, and that could potentially change an athlete's abilities indefinitely. Luckily, physical therapy has a lot to offer, boasting amazing results when approached strategically.
Strengthen Muscles
After injuries, muscles can weaken, whether from resting while healing or due to something like a muscle strain. It can take time to get these muscles back into shape, but physical therapy may be able to help the process along. This can be done through creating exercise plans, using rehabilitation tools, and advising on a return to physical activity based on progress.
Reduce the Risk of Additional Injury
The line between rest and recovery can be fine, and it's easy for athletes to think that they're ready to get back in the game before it's time. Physical therapy can keep athletes on the right track, giving them the resources necessary to reduce the risk of immediate re-injury. In addition, taking time to strengthen muscles in order to improve sports performance can prevent additional injuries in the future.
Improve Flexibility
Flexibility can help the muscles stay limber, reducing the risk of a sports injury in the first place as well as strengthening muscles after injury. Tools and methods designed to improve flexion and extension can be incredibly important, keeping athletes warmed up and ready to go on game day.
The Advantages of an Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers can benefit from many of the same tools physical therapists use, ultimately working to continue care, approach new treatment regimens, and help athletes to recover their performance without lasting issues. There are lots of advantages for athletic trainers who invest in recovery tools and treatment methods, including:
· Help multiple athletes at once: Athletic trainers tend to work for teams or sports organizations, meaning that resources can be shared among those who need them most. With tools available to help athletes recover that can be shared jointly, or available to all on an as-needed basis, trainers can address more than one individual's needs at a time. When time is money, this upside can't be overstated.
· Get athletes back on the field faster: When injuries sideline an athlete, consistent attention can be required to help time a re-entry to the sport. With attention from a trainer, and treatment protocols designed to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility, athletes can get back on the field faster than ever without increasing injury risk.
· Spend less time on the basics: Athletic trainers are very valuable in teaching best practices to athletes, including how to stretch, keep muscles loose and limber, and avoid the likelihood of injury. When athletes know how to prepare themselves, they can spend more time practicing and less time struggling through treatment regimens.
After an injury, physical therapy is key to a smooth recovery, and athletic training can assist in this healing in many different ways. For athletes struggling with an ACL tear or other challenge that impacts knee mobility, the right therapeutic plans and resources can make or break recovery.
NeeHab, a revolutionary tool for improving both flexion and extension, can aid in the physical therapy process – at home, in transit, and with the help of a therapist. A tool to minimize pain and maximize movement after injury or surgery, NeeHab can help athletes of all ages to focus on knee health when it matters most.
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