The 5 Benefits of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
Perhaps you went up for the perfect layup shot but twisted your ankle when you landed. Maybe years of pounding the pavement preparing for the next 5k or marathon has finally taken a toll on your knees and it’s time for a knee replacement. In these situations, orthopedic and sports physical therapy can help you get back in the game as soon as safely possible.
Orthopedic and sports physical therapy is a specialized branch of healthcare focusing on rehabilitating and treating any musculoskeletal injuries that result from any physical activities such as golf, soccer, or even simply jogging on a treadmill.
We’ll review the 5 leading benefits of orthopedic and sports physical therapy as well as take a closer look at how our leading, board-certified orthopedic doctors in Raleigh can help you.
5 Benefits of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
1. Rehabilitation for Injuries
One of the primary benefits of orthopedic and sports physical therapy is its tailored approach to injury rehabilitation. Our skilled therapists work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific injury. These sessions can reduce pain and help restore optimal function.
2. Improved Sports Performance
Did you know that orthopedic sports and physical therapy are not only for treating injuries? We can help both seasoned athletes and “weekend warriors” enhance their performance. As part of this therapy, we:
- Demonstrate corrective techniques
- Create therapeutic exercise regimens
- Assess biomechanics
- Help with muscle imbalances
- Evaluate movement patterns
Not only can these methods improve performance, but they can also reduce your chances of developing a sports injury.
3. Non-Invasive Treatment Option
At the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, our conservative approach to medicine means that we only consider surgery after nonsurgical techniques have been tried. This is where orthopedic and sports physical therapy can be extremely effective.
These therapies offer a non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal issues. Unlike surgical interventions, which may require significant downtime and recovery, physical therapy emphasizes natural healing and rehabilitation.
By utilizing manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, you can often avoid the need for surgery or long-term reliance on pain medications.
4. Pain Management and Relief
Chronic pain resulting from injuries or underlying musculoskeletal conditions can significantly impact your quality of life. It not only robs you of the sports and activities you enjoy, but it also places stress on family, school, or work obligations.
Orthopedic and sports physical therapy aims to alleviate pain by addressing its root causes. Through a combination of targeted exercises, stretching, and hands-on therapies, physical therapists can help:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Promote healing of tissue
- Enable you to return to regular activities sooner
5. Preventative Care and Injury Avoidance
Prevention is better than cure, and this philosophy is at the core of these therapeutic techniques. Therapists not only focus on treating existing injuries but also educate patients on injury prevention techniques.
By teaching proper body mechanics, warm-up routines, and strengthening exercises, physical therapists empower individuals to protect themselves from potential injuries during sports and physical activities.
What Do Sports Medicine Physical Therapists Do?
We’ve mentioned some of the tasks these therapists perform and how they can help you alleviate pain, recover from injuries and return to your regular routine.
Physical therapists in sports medicine develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate various therapeutic exercises and manual techniques to facilitate healing and rehabilitation.
In addition, they work closely with the entire healthcare team and their patients to follow an effective course of care that promotes recovery and dramatically reduces the chances of future injuries.
Through their expertise and dedication, physical therapists in sports medicine are essential partners in the journey toward optimal athletic performance and long-term physical well-being.
Are Sports Therapists & Physical Therapists Different?
While these professions share many similarities, they’re not quite the same.
The main distinction lies in their areas of specialization and the scope of practice. A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats a wide range of physical conditions and injuries, not limited to sports-related cases. Their expertise extends to various patient populations, such as those with:
- Neurological disorders
- Chronic pain
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Repetitive motion injuries
On the other hand, a sports therapist specifically concentrates on athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities. They are well-versed in sports-related injuries, performance enhancement techniques, and sports-specific rehabilitation.
How Long Should Physical Therapy Last After an Injury?
First, this depends upon the scope and type of injury that you have. It’s generally important to begin physical therapy as soon as possible after sustaining an injury. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.
We do not believe in “one size fits all” medicine. Our entire healthcare team, from our physical therapists in Raleigh to our leading orthopedic surgeons, all work together to determine the best course of treatment for you—including when to begin physical therapy.
Early intervention through physical therapy can help prevent muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and compensatory movement patterns that can develop during immobilization.
What Are the Most Common Injuries that Require Physical Therapy?
Beyond sports medicine and sports physical therapy, there are other conditions where treatment with physical therapy may be needed. The most common reasons for physical therapy are:
- Sprains and Strains
- Fractures
- Joint Injuries
- Overuse or Repetitive Motion Injuries
- Post-surgical Rehabilitation
- Back and Neck Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Arthritis
- Balance and Gait Disorders
For Orthopedic And Sports Physical Therapy That Will Help You Recover Faster, Schedule an Appointment With Our Leading Orthopedists in Raleigh
Orthopedic and sports physical therapy is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to recover from injuries, improve athletic performance, manage pain, and prevent future injuries. This type of therapy proves to be an essential component of effective treatment.
That’s why we have made it as convenient as possible for you to get the physical therapy you need.
By providing extensive in-house physical therapy services, we not only offer seamless comprehensive care, but we also offer convenience. You no longer have to go to several locations to get what you need when you work with our sports physical therapists in Raleigh.
Not sure how you can benefit from treatment? Do you have a nagging sports injury that requires closer examination? See why our leading physicians and healthcare team members have made us one of Wake County’s oldest and most well-known practices.
Schedule an appointment today.
