Sports therapy – sometimes referred to as sports recovery – is the treatment of the body to prevent and help cure injuries. Unfortunately most people have their first introduction to sports therapy after a debilitating injury. But recent advancements in sports medicine and education have proven that regular sports therapy can provide a protective layer for anyone who participates in a sport or exercise program. How important is sports recovery? It is actually more affordable than suffering an injury.
The Hidden Cost Of An Injury
Most sports injuries are common and unfortunately dismissed as simply a pulled muscle or I just threw my back out. But this is the body’s method of communicating that something is wrong. Pulled muscles occur because of insufficient warm-up, stretching, and trying to do too much. Herniated discs are more serious and result from improper or repetitive movements. Both problems–and many other types of injuries–can be avoided with sports therapy.
The Two Prong Approach
Sports therapy uses both education and treatment to help keep you at peak athletic performance. This approach helps you to develop proper technique and movements and treat any soreness or injuries that might occur. For example, many people have purchased weight sets to use at home during the pandemic. But this presents a unique problem: if they are untrained in how to lift weights they can slowly stress their muscle and skeletal systems and result in an injury. Sometimes people watch videos on how to lift weights. That is a positive thing but it lacks one viewpoint: the athlete cannot see themselves and the movements objectively. Having a physical therapist or chiropractor evaluate your movements can help identify unhealthy movements and prevent future pain.
Sports Recovery Helps You Play Longer
Anyone who enjoys a sport or fitness becomes accustomed to the regular feeling of well-being after exercise. Exercise also produces positive effects such as reduced anxiety, lower stress levels, and “runners high” types of euphoria. But an injury can sideline a person for months, and the lack of a regular exercise can take a toll on a person emotionally. Investing in a regular checkup with a chiropractor or physical therapist can ensure you are moving correctly. It can also protect your emotional well being by helping you stay exercising and enjoying the positive emotional benefits.
Teach Your Children Well
Every generation learns about exercise in our school sponsored physical education and sports programs. These programs have come a long way from their humble origins and the Federal Education Act of 1975 that mandated physical education in public schools (and removed the gender barrier for females in school sports). Schools and teams today regularly refer to physical therapists for student-athletes to learn how to exercise properly. Our duty as parents is to provide proper instruction for their athletic future. School coaches and trainers can only do so much, and internet fads often are dangerous for young bodies. Investing in a quarterly checkup or workout evaluation with a physical therapist can help you relax and know that your child is less likely to become injured from sports or exercise.