Return to Sport

A physical therapist is an expert in movement, with the ability to identify factors contributing to your injury that you may not have even considered. This may include limitations on your range of motion, motor control impairment, or weakness of the core. When these factors are addressed, your risk of injury significantly decreases.

Physical therapists understand that no two athletes are the same – so no two treatment plans should be the same, either. Everyone experiences pain and injury differently, and everyone’s body recovers in different ways. After a thorough physical evaluation, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan based on your type of injury, stage of recovery, personal goals, and any underlying conditions.

Your treatment plan will follow detailed steps all leading to your end goal: return to sport. For example, in the beginning stages of your recovery, your treatments will be focused on pain relief and inflammation reduction. Once the pain is alleviated and the swelling is no longer present, you’ll move on to the next part of your treatment plan, focusing on restoring your strength, balance, endurance, and range of motion.

If you were referred by a doctor or surgeon, your physical therapist will also take into account any special instructions you may have been given regarding physical activity.

Physical therapy is a natural and holistic approach to healing, including services such as:

• Therapeutic exercises.
• Modalities. This may include specialized treatments that your physical therapist has been certified to perform, such as functional dry needling, if appropriate.
• Manual therapy. This may include passive range of motion or joint mobilizations.

Physical therapy has been proven to be successful in treating both acute and chronic injuries, such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, bursitis, tendinitis, and more. Your physical therapist will teach you about what your body is experiencing and the recovery process it will go through. You and your physical therapist will work together to help you reach your physical goals, allowing you to be engaged and active in your rehabilitation.