Whether you love playing intense sports, like soccer or rugby, or enjoy playing social sports, be mindful of protecting your body from injuries. If you are injured while playing, the best way to ensure your injury heals properly is to go to sports physiotherapy.
Sports physiotherapy focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries. A specialist will treat your injuries so you can return to the sport that means the most to you.
If sports physio is new to you, read on to learn more.
Overview of Sports Physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy treats injuries sustained while playing sports. A sports physio’s goal is to have clients recover as quickly as possible from injuries. They also help with performance-related issues such as:
- Fatigue
- Strength imbalances
- Running technique
Besides treating injuries, a sports physiotherapist can help clients prevent an injury by providing an exercise plan and advice on how to improve their performance.
Difference Between Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
There are many similarities between musculoskeletal physiotherapy and sports physiotherapy.
A musculoskeletal physiotherapist focus on treating clients with muscles, bones and joint issues that arise from day to day activities. Common conditions seen include back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, overuse injuries as well as postural dysfunction.
Musculoskeletal conditions generally present with pain or limitation in function which reduces one’s ability to perform daily tasks.
Sports physiotherapy on the other hand treat conditions sustained from sports. Common sporting injuries include rotator cuff injuries, ACL injury, muscle strains, joint sprains, dislocation and fractures.
Assessment in Physiotherapy
Assessment gathers information about your condition. A physiotherapist will take a detailed examination by asking questions, examining how you move, and testing your strength and flexibility.
Types of Treatments
Sports physiotherapists treat a wide range of injuries and conditions relating to the body’s muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. One of the benefits of sports physiotherapy treatment is that the therapist can tailor it to your specific needs.
Let’s take a closer look at some treatments used.
Massage
Massage is a treatment that uses pressure to manipulate soft tissue. The goal is to increase blood flow, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and pain, and improve mobility.
Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation is a manual therapy technique that restores mobility in stiff joints. Therapists use it to treat joint dysfunction and joint pain as well.
Dry Needling
Dry needling involves the use of a thin filiform needle to treat pain and other symptoms. It’s not the same as acupuncture. Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine, while dry needling is a more modern practice.
Taping
Taping is a common treatment method in physiotherapy.
Kinesio tape or rigid tape can be used to provide:
- Support
- Compression
- Stability for injuries
The tape placement varies depending on the type of injury or pain.
Patient Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription
The rehabilitation process restores optimal form and function. This includes enhancing strength and mobility, as well as lessening pain.
The physiotherapist will recommend specific exercises that target the injured area. You can perform these exercises at home or in a clinic setting under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Book Your Appointment
Sports physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as well as anyone who wants to stay active. We at The Local Physio provide expert sports and pain management services in Doreen.
We understand that playing sports adds additional strain on your body. That’s why we offer physiotherapy and massage therapy on-site. Come visit us today! We provide physiotherapy services across Doreen, Mernda and surrounding areas.