Have you recently injured yourself while attempting a heavy lift at the gym? Your child collided with their friend while chasing a basketball in gym class? You started running after taking a year off and now your shin splints are acting up? Sports medicine therapy could be the answer!
What is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine is a field of healthcare that involves the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries or conditions. There are several healthcare professionals who work in this field, including sports medicine physicians, physiotherapists, athletic therapists, and massage therapists. Sports medicine may sound as though it is only for elite athletes, but that’s far from the truth! A large range of individuals may benefit from sports medicine therapy, including weekend warriors, youth athletes, occasional gym-goers, and workers with physically demanding jobs.
Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the field of Sports Medicine. Following an injury, individuals typically see their doctor and they are referred to physiotherapy if there are no other medical concerns. However, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. Your first meeting with a physiotherapist may look like this:
- History: your physiotherapist will ask you a variety of questions to get an understanding of your injury and how they can best help you recover and achieve your goals.
- Assessment: They will then assess the area of injury and surrounding anatomy. This may include examining mobility, strength, sensation, tenderness to palpation and other special tests.
- Treatment plan: You will then discuss what may be the source of your pain and some treatment options for moving forward. Your physiotherapist will tailor the treatment plan according to your needs and goals.
What types of injuries/conditions can be treated by Sports Medicine therapy?
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tendinopathies
- Plantar fasciitis
- Lower back pain
- Concussions
- Dislocations
And many others are not included on this list. Some uninjured individuals will even choose to start physiotherapy to prevent sports injuries.
What types of treatment does Sports Medicine Therapy involve?
There are many different treatments that may help you on your road to recovery. These include, but are not limited to:
- Exercise: strengthening, stretching, task-specific demands, etc
- Education
- Manual therapy
- Dry needling (IMS, acupuncture)
- Massage therapy
- Taping
- Shockwave therapy
- Pelvic health therapy
There are many different approaches that may support your rehabilitation. Your therapist will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that is best suited to your personal recovery.
Why does Sports Medicine therapy work?
Sport medicine therapists are experts in movement and rehabilitation. They have the knowledge and experience to provide you with an individualized approach for your injury during all stages of recovery. They will provide you with advice from how to manage symptoms acutely the following injury all the way to ensuring that your late-stage rehabilitation adequately prepares you for your return to your sport, job, or activity.
At Panther Sports Medicine, we are passionate about movement, fitness, and wellness. Most importantly, we want to help you get back to the activities that you love. Visit one of our 10 convenient locations in Calgary and let us help you move better!
