Sports physiotherapy can benefit anyone looking to improve their performance and overall health. It can also help treat several chronic conditions, including pain and discomfort.
YatesPhysiotherapy sports physio Adelaide focuses on improving the body’s ability to move and work effectively. It can also prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.
Improved Range of Motion
Sports are a great way to keep fit, but they can also be difficult for the body. Injuries are common in most types of sports and can prevent an athlete from participating in their favourite activities for long periods.
Physiotherapy is one of the best ways to avoid injury in sports and maintain an athlete’s health. It can help athletes improve their balance and coordination, strengthen muscles, and reduce the number of injuries they experience over time.
Many physiotherapists work with various exercises and stretches that improve the range of motion. It is a great benefit to any athlete, as it can significantly impact their ability to perform at their best.
The range of motion of a joint can be improved through two different forms of physiotherapy: active and passive. Passive range of motion (PROM) involves the joint receiving movement solely from another person or a machine, while an active-assistive range of motion (AAROM) requires assistance from both a physical therapist and an outside force to move the joint.
A sports physio Adelaide can use techniques to increase muscle temperature and encourage blood flow improvement. It can lead to an increase in tissue elasticity, which improves the range of motion and relieves pain and stress.
Many physiotherapists offer mobility training sessions that can be completed at home or in the office. These sessions will greatly improve your overall range of motion and will greatly impact your training and daily life. It is important to follow a treatment plan and consistently practice mobility works each week for the best results.
Increased Flexibility
Increased flexibility is a great benefit of sports physiotherapy and is achieved through various techniques. Typically, flexibility can be increased through massage and myofascial release.
Flexibility is the ability of a joint to move through a range of motion without pain or limitation. It is important in several sports as it can prevent injuries and improve performance.
Almost all athletes need a certain amount of flexibility to perform their sport. However, the demands for flexibility will vary depending on what sport you are playing.
For example, gymnasts and swimmers often need increased flexibility to perform their routines effectively. Similarly, boxers must be flexible enough to endure the hard blows in competition.
When muscles are tight, a massage can increase flexibility by increasing temperature, increasing elasticity, breaking down adhesions and removing waste products. It can also help reduce swelling and decrease pain.
Myofascial release aims to break down cross-links in collagen fibres which can cause scar tissue that restricts flexibility. As the therapist applies pressure, they can break down these scars and realign collagen fibres into normal form.
Tightness around joints is also common and can be vastly improved through work from your physiotherapist. A lack of stretching can lead to soft tissue shortening due to fatigue and increased risk of injury.
Physiotherapists are highly skilled in preventing this and work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan addressing all weaknesses and imbalances. They will aim to build muscle strength and mechanics as well as increase flexibility to improve recovery times and return you to your sport stronger.
Reduced Pain
The consistent physical effort required to participate in sports can cause strains, injuries, and other issues. Both amateur and professional athletes can benefit from sports physiotherapy, as it will help them heal quickly and reduce their risk of recurring injuries.
During treatment, your therapist will assess the movement patterns that caused the injury and provide you with a recovery plan. They will then develop exercises targeting the muscle groups that have been affected.
These exercises are designed to strengthen the body and improve flexibility. It will allow the muscles to move more freely and promote healthy circulation, blood flow, and oxygen transportation.
Another method of reducing pain is through massage, which will increase circulation and decrease inflammation in the injured area. The therapist will use varied amounts of pressure to massage the muscles in the area and the surrounding tissue.
Aside from massage, sports physiotherapy may include other techniques, such as gait training and ultrasound therapy. These methods will reduce swelling and tissue adhesions in the injured area and help you recover faster and more easily.
In addition to addressing existing injuries, sports physiotherapy also aims to prevent future injuries. It is done by teaching patients proper body mechanics, helping them avoid injuries, and promoting the development of new skills.
As a result, you will be able to get back into your favourite sport faster and easier, without any problems. It will not only increase your athletic performance, but it will also help you remain pain-free and fit for longer periods. It will mean you can spend more quality time with your family and have a better lifestyle overall.
