Sports Therapy FAQ!
Here at Pyramid Health, we are excited to be adding a Sports Therapist to our clinic in 2024. But what is Sports Therapy? We’ll tell you all you need to know in this article by our very own Hannah Bolwell.
The Society of Sports Therapists state that “Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.”
Put simply, Sports Therapists are specialists in muscle, joint and bone injuries like sprains and strains. They help clients to regain their physical function by using hands-on techniques and corrective exercises when treating injuries.
What Type of Injuries Can a Sports Therapist Treat?
Sports Therapists are trained in musculoskeletal injuries which are conditions of the bones, joints or soft tissues. These include muscle tears, tendon problems like Tennis Elbow, everyday sprains and strains as well as more complex problems like shoulder stability problems after a dislocation.
An assessment will start with testing range of movement. This can be inhibited by swelling of the tissue around the joint, or stiffness of ligaments or muscles.
Muscle tests are then used to measure for a difference in strength when comparing the injured joint to the uninjured. This can be due to tears within the muscles, or ligament sprains, tendon strains, fractures or injuries within the joint. Most injuries can cause a loss of muscle, due to inactivity, therefore it is really important to incorporate strength exercises into rehabilitation programmes.
Special tests can then be used to rule certain injuries in or out, as this can help us decide which type of treatment we should use to help benefit your recovery. In some cases a referral for a scan may be necessary, however the vast majority of cases resolve with normal treatment.
What Kind of Treatments Do Sports Therapists Use?
Massage is one of many treatment options provided by Sports Therapists
There are multiple treatments that are used by Sports Therapists to optimise healing and recovery. The type of treatment we use will depend on your condition and stage of rehab, but might include one of the following:
Manual Mobilisations
If you are experiencing pain or a decreased range of movement, we can use manual mobilisation. This consists of small backwards and forwards movements of the joint. This can increase joint mobility and pain-free range of movement.
PNF Stretching
PNF Stretching is used to treat a decreased range of movement and to help increase flexibility. PNF involves both stretching and contracting of the muscle group being targeted in order to achieve maximum static flexibility. It is used to improve muscle elasticity and it has been shown to have a positive effect on range of motion.
Massage
Massage is mainly used when clients have tension and tightness in their muscles, but there are many other reasons as to why it can be a beneficial treatment. When used in the early phases of an injury, massage can help flush out swelling, promoting quicker recovery. Massage also has a great “feel-good factor” which many clients find helps their injury recovery or sporting performance.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports Rehab is an exercise-based therapy and a great way to treat most injuries, as it can speed up the healing process by reducing inflammation and helping to prevent scar tissue forming. It also helps you regain strength and flexibility, so you can get back to what you love doing sooner.
Do I Have to Be an Athlete to Have Sports Therapy?
Sports Therapy isn’t just aimed towards athletes, though the name might suggest this! If you have any type of strain or sprain, Sports Therapy can help you get back to doing what you love.
