When an injury prevents you from playing the sport you love, the effects can be devastating. Besides the pain of the injury itself, you may worry if and when you will be able to play again. Seeking physical therapy Puyallup WA services can help you restore your functioning and prevent future injuries so you can get back in the game.
What Does Sports PT Look Like
Your exact physical therapy regimen will depend on the nature and extent of your injury. An initial evaluation will identify injury-specific concerns and assess areas such as balance, strength, and range of motion. This will help your therapist design a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Your injury may require interventions to reduce pain or inflammation. Light stretching and gentle movement exercises along with techniques like massage and hydrotherapy will kickstart the recovery process.
Therapy sessions will aim to rebuild strength and balance while supporting the injured area. As you progress, your routine will incorporate more sport-specific movements with an emphasis on mechanics and endurance. Your therapist may provide you with a post-treatment plan at the end of PT.
How It Benefits Your Team
Players often say their team is like a second family so when a player gets injured, it impacts your whole team. Completing a physical therapy Redmond plan can help you return to pre-injury performance levels so that you can be there for your team.
In addition, physical therapy services are beneficial to your entire team at any time, not just when injuries occur. Routine physical therapy helps athletes maintain peak fitness and improve performance aspects such as:
- Flexibility
- Speed
- Coordination
- Strength
- Agility
Physical therapists can also address non-injury-related health conditions, employ pain relief measures, and develop exercise plans that focus on overall wellness.
Why Emotional Recovery Is Also Important
Treatment plans primarily focus on the physical aspects of the injury. Yet, so many athletes experience psychological effects that should also be addressed. When you’ve invested so much time and energy into a sport, an injury creates a significant emotional struggle. Healthy coping mechanisms are necessary to prevent emotions from spiraling and hindering your recovery.
Allow yourself to feel sad about your situation. Acknowledging your feelings can help you move past them. Be realistic with goals and expectations. Apply your mindset as an athlete to your recovery. Focus on overcoming challenges and honing your skills.
Who Makes Up Your Support System
As an athlete, you may resist the idea of depending on others. However, a strong support network is key to a successful recovery. Surround yourself with family, friends, coaches, and teammates who can listen to you, motivate you, and celebrate your milestone successes.
When playing a sport represents a huge part of your life, an injury is a major disruption. Aid your recovery by committing to a physical therapy Bellingham program. Lean on your support system to encourage you and help you maintain a positive mindset. Acknowledging and addressing all of the ways an injury affects you gives you the best chance of returning to your athletic pursuits.