What is sports therapy?
Sports therapy is a type of physiotherapy which aims to prevent or to treat sports-related injuries. The aim is to help those who practice sport to participate to their maximum ability without damaging the body. Several techniques will be used depending on the needs of the client, including stretches, massage or acupuncture. Sports therapy arrives with many benefits, a few of which are:
Improves flexibility
Whether you regularly practice sports or not, over time, the body can lose flexibility. You might play for a team, have a sports-based job, or merely be a keen gym-goer. No matter what your sports routine is, flexibility is essential. Lack of flexibility can lead to the body sustaining an injury, sports-related or otherwise. A routine can be offered for you to practice at home to increase your mobility further. A physiotherapist will be able to personalise your treatment to the sports that you practice plus your strengths and weaknesses. Improving your flexibility is useful not just for sports, but to enhance your quality of life overall!
Dealing with injuries
With physio, it’s as much about prevention as it is treating injuries. A series of physiotherapy sessions can use massage and stretching techniques catered to your individual needs and lifestyle. Resting is not always the best way to deal with an injury. A physiotherapist can treat a huge variety of injuries from knee or wrist sprains to muscle or cartilage tears. Massages, for instance, can help to ease pain and speed up recovery. Even the healthiest and most experienced athletes will sustain injuries sometimes. If you, unfortunately, do become injured, a physiotherapist can help you to recover quicker. Stretches that improve your core and flexibility will help you to decrease the likelihood of hurting yourself.
Improve your core strength
When you’re practising sports, your body is physically tested over time. While exercise is good for the body, it’s also very physically challenging. When you’re pushing your body to the limit, sometimes your energy levels and strength will diminish. Sports therapy sessions can help you to build up your physical and core strength. You’ll find that you can improve your performance and participate to the best of your ability. When you feel physically stronger, you’ll find that your stamina may improve too.
Ease tension and relax
Physio can be the perfect way to ease tension in the body and to relax. When you’re participating in a physically demanding lifestyle, finding a way to relax is of crucial importance. After a great sports massage, you’ll feel less tense and find it easier to sleep after a vigorous exercise session. Physiotherapy allows the mind to become calm as well as the body. When you have a busy schedule, it’s easy to become a little run down. Allowing yourself to fully unwind after a hard day will help to prevent exhaustion. Properly relaxation after your sports activities will help you to regain the energy you’ll need for your next sports session!
