A sports therapist is different from a physiotherapist. A sports therapist focuses specifically on sports-related health, whereas physiotherapists treat patients with various injuries and conditions.
What is a Sports Therapist
Sports therapy is an aspect of healthcare explicitly concerned with injury prevention and rehabilitation, regardless of age or ability, to the optimum functional, occupational, and sports-specific fitness level.
The typical duties include guiding people to the best therapies and conditioning, such as:
Preparing clients both mentally and physically to reduce the risk of injury.
Screening of the client's history, including medical conditions and well-being.
Assessing injuries or potential injuries and developing treatment plans.
Providing treatment, which can include massages and Eastern-style therapies.
Drawing up rehabilitation plans to restore full fitness and restricted mobility.
Decision-making about clients to continue with fitness or rest.
Sign-posting clients for medical review.
How is a Sports Therapist Done
With a hands-on approach, a physical assessment is performed to locate the affected area and possible causes of it. This is followed by a treatment plan that best suits the troubled condition and recommendations for aftercare, such as exercising or strengthening other body regions.
The aim is to test the individual's muscle structure and joint mobility and address these with the client to set up a plan for the client to take home and work on progress.
Benefits of Sports Therapists
The benefits result from increased local blood circulation, which helps flush out chemical irritants and waste products stored within the muscles. In return, this boosts the flow of fresh blood circulation, which increases oxygen and nutrient content within the muscles. This, in turn, can help muscle repair and lead to a reduction in muscle tension.
The following benefits can be experienced through the applications of sports and deep tissue massage techniques: reduction in muscle tension, muscle pain and discomfort, and stiffness after exercise or physical activity; reduced recovery time post-injury; increase in range of motion, which leads to enhanced performance; support relaxation; reduction in physical and psychological stress levels; and aid in sleep quality.
Preparation for Sports Therapist
Please remember to bring any medical notes you may have to be reviewed. Wear loose, soft clothing, such as gym clothes. Wait to have a heavy meal before the session.
Shower before you come and wait at least 4 hours after the treatment to shower.
Akhtar (SAC. Dip), Lead Clinical Sports Therapist
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