- Sports therapists work specifically with athletes requiring rehabilitation from injuries, although some therapists perform therapy for non-athletic patients. Sports therapy work also involves assisting athletes with massage therapy, stretching and evaluating an athlete's condition before sporting events. They evaluate the condition of injuries before game play and tape or wrap injuries for protection. Sports therapists function as an integral part of injury prevention and assessment of an athlete. It's typical for a specialist in sports therapy to advise athletes on proper nutrition and diet and to devise exercise programs to condition and prevent injuries for athletes. Sports therapists work closely with coaches and trainers in an advisory capacity.
- Each sport-related injury is as unique as the individual. Therapists customize treatment for each patient based on his specific needs. The primary goal revolves around returning the athlete to pre-injury condition. Sports therapy specialists can rehabilitate injuries of the foot, ankle, legs, knee, lower back, shoulder and elbow. Sports therapists are the individuals who help the most famous players get back on the court or field after an injury. Treatment can include massage, teaching patients how to use compression wraps, targeted exercises to improve mobility and gradual incorporation of strength exercises to re-condition the athlete.
- Damage to a muscle or joint weakens the area in more than one way. Inactivity as the body heals causes loss of muscle tone and strength. In addition, the injury itself weakens the joint or muscle. Sports therapy can combat both issues with a measured approach to re-establishing strength in the weakened area. Therapists devise a plan based on the injury and expected goals, taking into account the overall athletic conditioning of the patient. Strength training requires low intensity workouts at the beginning of rehabilitation with a gradual increase in weight and duration. Sports therapy specialists monitor patients very closely to check for any re-injury or excessive weakness as a result of strength training.
- Sports therapy involves working closely with the patient's physician and surgeon to create a balanced and careful plan for rehabilitating a sports injury. Many sports therapists assist professional and amateur athletes during competition. This on-site assistance can include evaluating injuries as a first-responder and assessing the severity of injuries. Therapists perform first aid on simple injuries on the court or field and determine whether an injury requires further care and treatment. Sports therapy involves careful observation of players and monitoring their performance.
- Sports therapy involves contact with athletes during training and games. The creation and execution of training regimens to strengthen and condition athletes to prevent injuries. Therapists teach players appropriate warm up and cool down exercises as well as treat common discomforts with massage therapy. The primary goal of all sports therapists lies in preventing injury in the first place. Sports therapy specialists may also evaluate a player's mental and physical ability to participate in sporting events and competition.
