Regularly engaging in exercise is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health and wellness — and playing a sport is one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise. Despite the many benefits, though, it’s also true that sports may increase your chances of getting injured. This is especially true in contact sports such as football, boxing, or lacrosse. Even if you haven’t been injured, you may find that sports put a strain on your body that often leaves you feeling sore. Find out how sports physical therapy San Antonio can provide preventive and recovery-focused care for professional and amateur athletes alike.
Increase Strength and Flexibility
Flexibility is an essential component of safety when you’re playing sports. If you venture onto the field while you’re stiff and inflexible, you are greatly increasing the likelihood of an injury. Indeed, stretching reduces the tension throughout your muscles, joints, and tissues, thus preparing your body for exercise — including playing sports. This is true because it boosts blood flow and increases your range of motion, both of which are imperative to safe exercise.
Sometimes you need more than just stretching in order to build your strength and flexibility, though. If you want to reach your peak physical condition, attending physical therapy in Stone Oak is a great way to do so. Physical therapy includes a wide range of treatments that are designed to help athletes achieve specific goals for their exercise endeavors.
Your physical therapist may encourage you to build strength by utilizing low-impact exercise methods, for example. Aquatic therapy is a popular way to build the strength of your muscles without enduring the entire impact of gravity. Similarly, an anti-gravity treadmill can make it easier to exercise and gradually become more flexible without the threat of injury to your joints and muscles.
Decrease Recovery Time
If you’ve been injured while playing a sport, you might dismiss it as an inconvenience — but you should visit a physical therapy clinic near me to ensure you don’t need further treatment. Many injuries initially seem like no big deal, but over time, they worsen, causing pain, reduced mobility, and other serious symptoms. Getting treatment immediately after an injury can help you avoid these outcomes and minimize the overall recovery time that you face.
Setting realistic expectations is an important aspect of any kind of recovery, and physical therapy can help you establish clear goals for your recovery. Your physical therapist will help you understand the nature of your injury, the treatment that’s required for recovery, and the general timeline you can expect before you’re able to play sports again. Following your physical therapist’s instructions and performing the assigned exercises is the best way to ensure that you meet your recovery timeline goals.
Whether you’ve been injured in a game or you’re simply looking to improve your physical fitness, a physical therapist can help. Schedule a session with a practitioner to discuss your goals and develop a unique plan to minimize your pain and maximize your potential.Read more
