Sports therapy is a growing field that has been applied successfully in the treatment of many physical injuries and diseases. The focus of sports therapy is to help athletes who are suffering from injuries recover and compete. This specialized field has been around for a long time but it was not until recently that it began to be applied to mental health and rehabilitation in sports medicine. Sports therapy helps people recover from traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and much more.
What Is The Main Function Of Sports Therapy?
The focus of sports therapy is to prevent further injury and help the patient return to normal functioning as soon as possible. If you or a loved one are interested in a career in sports therapy, it is important that you find out how to become certified first.
It is important to know that not all sports therapy facilities are the same. There are a variety of philosophies and beliefs associated with sports medicine and rehabilitation, which can make things a little confusing. Many schools of thought about sports therapy are actually quite adamant that they are not part of the sports industry.
You must be a licensed sports medicine doctor in order to practice as a sports therapist. Many therapists will try to convince you that sports therapy is not exactly the same as physical therapy, so don’t listen to them.
Variations In Types Of Therapy
One major difference between sports therapy and physical therapy is the level of interaction that takes place between the patient and the professional. In sports medicine clinics and rehabilitation centres the patients and their family members are the only ones allowed to interact with the sports doctor. Patients are kept out of the room and only given small amounts of information.
Their medical history is monitored, they are often not given individualized attention and their situation is often assessed on an individual basis. However, at most sports clinics and rehabilitation centers there is a full time team of doctors, orthopedic specialists and psychologists on staff to help aid the patient in recovering safely and as fast as possible. Because of this many patients will feel very comfortable talking to multiple professionals during their recovery.
What’s Involved In Sports Therapy?
A major focus of sports therapy is mental health. Sports can make people tense and anxious, but they usually don’t realize that these feelings are often caused by mental issues. An athlete might be nervous before a big game, but it could also be that they are overly self conscious about certain areas of their body. This mental tension can lead to physical pain and suffering, and rehabilitation often involves addressing mental health and addressing any emotional issues that may be contributing to the patient’s condition.
Some mental health issues that can come from being a sports player are: excessive stress caused by pressure from their sport, the negative impact of competition on the psyche and anxiety caused by expectations of failure. It is important for athletes to talk with a sports therapy professional or coach if they have any concerns or questions about their mental health. They should also be honest about the extent of their injuries or pain, and any changes in their physical activity levels or diet.
Important Benefits To Sports Therapy
There are of course a range of important benefits that can be enjoyed as a result of using sports therapy directly. Some of the clearest benefits are as follows:
- Faster recovery from psychological issues
- Improved engagement within a social environment
- Improved physical and mental wellbeing
- Helps to cultivate a sense of achievement
- Adds to a sense of belonging for participants in the sports
- Can be conducted on a budget or at low cost
They should always let their primary care physician know what they are doing in an attempt to avoid getting injured or suffering from another health problem. Any changes in diet or exercise should be discussed with the doctor, and athletes should remember to ask their trainers or therapist’s questions about the benefits or risks of their chosen routine.
Points In Summary
There are many benefits of sports therapy and rehabilitation for athletes. They should always talk with their primary care physician or doctor before taking any supplements or medications. While they are on medication, they should not supplement their treatments with over the counter supplements or medications. It is important for them to remember that rehabilitation only happens when the patient has stopped actively competing, and there are many other factors involved in recovery.