Whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, participating in sports carries a risk of injury. Proper form and training go a long way in protecting yourself, but accidents happen. No matter the cause of the injury, the best and most effective forms of rehabilitation are offered through physical therapy. Here are some of the most common rehab techniques employed to get athletes back in the game quickly and safely.

4 Common Sports Injury Rehab Techniques

1. Targeted Exercises & Stretching

Physical therapy uses targeted exercises and stretching to restore function, strength, and flexibility to the injured area while decreasing pain and promoting healing. During the initial evaluation, the physical therapist will perform a comprehensive exam to determine the cause and extent of your injury; then, they’ll design a treatment plan to target the surrounding muscle. You’ll be shown proper stretches and exercises and be instructed on how often to perform the movements.

2. Proprioception Training 

Proprioception is the awareness of your body and its motion in the surrounding space. Sensors in the muscles and other tissues are constantly sending feedback to the brain about the body’s movement, which results in various adjustments required to maintain balance and agility. Proprioception training aims to decrease injuries and restore mobility by improving the function of these sensors.

3. Modalities

Modalities are often incorporated into a comprehensive physical therapy rehabilitation plan and can include electrical stimulation, cold therapy, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy. The type of modality recommended by a therapist will vary based on your injury and overall health condition, so ask your clinic what modalities they offer.

4. Manual Therapy

Massages, traction tables, and joint mobilization and manipulation are some of the most common forms of manual therapy applied in sports medicine rehabilitation. Manual techniques are often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as exercise, and can be an effective way to treat musculoskeletal issues.

If you’re experiencing pain and reduced function after a sports injury, turn to trained physical therapy professionals you can trust. Source Therapy in Gig Harbor, WA, uses the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment and modalities; and, their team will create a personalized care plan to relieve your pain and restore mobility. To make an appointment, call their friendly staff at (253) 857-4870 or visit their website to learn more about their clinic.