Looking to recover faster from training and reach peak performance? Sports Physiotherapy can help!
Top-level athletes have their own physiotherapists for a good reason. Those who work in this field use various techniques to relieve pain and improve function. Just a few physiotherapy sessions can be enough to improve your range of motion, strength, and speed up your healing process.
There are several types of physiotherapy. Sports physiotherapy deals with musculoskeletal related injuries caused by sport and exercise, at all levels and ages. A physiotherapist will aim to facilitate recovery through the use of adjuncts (like massage, acupuncture, and mobilisations) and self-management strategies. Additionally, the physiotherapist will prescribe exercises to improve function and try to reduce the likelihood of future injuries. In some cases, the physio even tries to keep the patient exercising in a modified way so they don’t miss out on anything!
So what are the health benefits of sports physiotherapy?
Improved Flexibility
Runners, swimmers, football players, gymnasts and other athletes depend on their flexibility. Yet, not everyone has flexible muscles and joints. Even the slightest injury can affect muscle function. A physiotherapist can recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen your issues. This leads to greater flexibility and range of motion. In the long run, it can decrease your risk of injury and make you a better athlete.
Accelerated Recovery from Injury
Sports massage, ice therapy, and other techniques used by physiotherapists promote muscle repair. Ice packs help reduce swelling and ease the pain and massage increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to your muscles and other tissues. Additionally, rehabilitation exercises can raise endorphin levels in the brain. This helps ward off stress and blocks pain signals.
Relieves Muscle Soreness
DOMS, which stands for delayed onset muscle soreness, affects people of all ages and fitness levels. It often affects those who are just starting an exercise programme or trying new workouts. Overtraining, stress, and poor nutrition can worsen its symptoms.
If you’re dealing with this condition, ask your physiotherapist for a massage. It’s a safe, natural way to reduce DOMS-related pain and inflammation. Sports massage also helps improve muscle function and speeds up recovery. After a few sessions, you’ll be able to work out harder for longer periods without experiencing these issues.
Prevents Injuries
Sports injury physiotherapy emphasises injury prevention. A good therapist can offer advice on how to exercise safely and stay injury-free. For example, if you have lower back pain, your physio will tell you what exercises to avoid. The physiotherapist can also develop a personalised workout plan to strengthen your weak areas.
Boosts Performance
This form of therapy can give you a competitive edge. It helps improve your movement patterns, corrects muscular imbalances, and increases mobility. Some exercises used in physiotherapy boost functional fitness and motor control. Others strengthen your core and back muscles, improve reaction time, and keep your joints flexible. As a result, you’ll perform better at your sport of choice.
Is Sports Physiotherapy Suitable for Everyone?
As you see, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from sports physiotherapy. Anyone who has a musculoskeletal related injury and wants to get back to doing the things they love in the safest and fastest way possible can benefit!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!