Frequently Asked Questions about Sports Physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy is essential in the sports industry. It is the very thing that keeps athletes and sports enthusiasts in their top shape and best condition. There is not one professional athlete that does not have a dedicated sports physiotherapist. Much is not known about it though and most people still confuse it with other medical professions. To fully know everything you need to know about it, this post will answer the most frequently asked questions about sports physiotherapy. Reading this will give you a clear idea of who sports physiotherapists are, what they do, and how they can help you.
Sports Physiotherapy: Definition
Physical therapy has numerous branches and sports physiotherapy is one of them. It is the branch of physical therapy that caters to the needs of athletes and casual players who suffer from sports-related injuries. Undergoing sports physiotherapy involves rehabilitation and hands-on treatment. Sports physiotherapy can cater to all kinds of athletes — from beginners to professionals.
Sports physiotherapy has the following key areas:
- Examination and diagnosis of injuries
- Identification of the cause of injuries
- Designing a treatment plan
- Rehabilitation
- Performance enhancement
Sports physiotherapy is dedicated to helping athletes bounce back after suffering from a sports-related injury in the safest and quickest way possible. Sports physiotherapy however does not deal with different issues of the nerve, muscle, or ligament that are not sports-related.
How to go about it?
Working with a sports physiotherapist would involve the following:
- your sports physiotherapist will work closely with you or your team
- your sports physiotherapist will identify the unique requirements of your sport for one to be able to have optimum performance and excellent shape
- your sports physiotherapist will then devise a plan to give you or your team the best possible performance and shape considering your injury and recovery
- a customized rehabilitation program will be designed depending on what your sports demand from athletes
If you play cricket and you get a spine injury from it, a sports physiotherapist will provide therapies and exercises that will allow for the prevention of hyperextension of the spine and its stabilization which will allow for you to speedily return to playing cricket. If you’re looking for a physiotherapist clinic in Ryde, you should check out the trusted experts at Hyperwell.
What kinds of sports require physiotherapy?
Sports that have athletes commonly suffer from varied injuries often require that players and teams have dedicated sports physiotherapists. The following sports are as follows:
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Soccer / Football
- Tennis
- Athletic
People who are into volleyball, basketball, badminton, rugby, and cycling also benefit greatly if they undergo sports physiotherapy after an injury. Most people who prefer to be in top shape and performance at all times even consult with a sports physiotherapist even if they suffer from no injuries.
What sports injuries or conditions can be treated with sports therapy?
Sports physiotherapists can treat the following sports injuries:
- Stress fracture – an injury that takes place due to overuse of a muscle
- Muscle strain – a common muscle injury that takes place when muscles are overstretched
- Tendonitis – can be due to overuse or micro-tear in the muscle fibers
- Whiplash injury – can be due to an abrupt forward or backward motion of the neck
- Contusions – injury from a direct impact on the muscle
- Shoulder Impingement – can be due to repetitive overhead movement during play
- Tennis elbow – can be due to overload or overuse during a serve or forehand stroke
- Rotator cuff injury – commonly caused by repetitive microtrauma
- Acromioclavicular joint injury – common shoulder injury in hockey players
- Golfer’s elbow – commonly due to overuse of topspin
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – can be caused by a laid-back grip, quickly turning one’s wrist, or rotation of the palm upward
- Wrist train – can be caused by an abnormal motion of the wrist
- Achilles tendonitis – inflammation of the lower back due to overuse
- Achilles tendon rupture – complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon
- Ankle sprains – can be caused when toes are turned out while the foot is flexed upward
- Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the ligament that connects the front of the foot to the heel
- Pulled calf muscle – injury from running or jumping
- Shin splints – injury to the lower leg or shin area from overuse
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome – an injury involving damage to the kneecap
- Torn MCL – injury caused by pushing knees sideways
- Torn ACL – injury from direct shot to the knees
- Hamstring strains – injury from overloaded muscle
- Illiotibial Band Syndrome – injury from overuse of outer thigh
- Groin pull – injury when muscles of the inner thigh are stretched or pulled
- Femoroacetabular impingement – injury from multidirectional movement plan
- Abdominal side strain – a side strain involving the oblique muscle
- Lower back pain –a common injury from twisting, jumping, and fast weight transfers.
What are the benefits of undergoing Sports Physiotherapy?
Individuals who undergo sports physiotherapy reap the following benefits:
- improved cardiopulmonary health
- improved breathing
- improved endurance
- improved performance
- improved shape
- improved flexibility
Again, do note that a sports physiotherapist can work with you even if you are not suffering from injuries. You can always work with one if you simply want to improve your performance, flexibility, and overall wellness.