Are you looking to enhance your sports performance with physical therapy? Physical therapists can offer a range of sports-oriented services. These may range from personalized exercises to manual therapy techniques. Sports physical therapy can be a great way to improve your performance, whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior. Not sure what sports physical therapy services to look for near you? Learning about effective treatment methods can help you stay informed in your search for a great care provider.

6 best sports physical therapy services

• Personalized exercise programs — As an athlete, you have unique needs and wellness goals. One-size-fits-all solutions may not be effective for you. Sports physical therapists recognize that every patient has a unique journey. When you engage in sports physical therapy, you will receive personalized treatment. Exercise typically plays a fundamental role in this treatment. Working with your physical therapist, you can develop an exercise plan that works for you. Your physical therapist will account for your needs, goals and physical capabilities. The best exercises will depend on factors like your physical condition and the sport you play. Physical therapy exercises can serve many functions. They can help you address chronic conditions and recover from injuries. They can also help you enhance your strength, flexibility and endurance. Whether you’re looking to treat a physical condition or simply want to take your performance to the next level, tailored PT exercises can help.
• Passive stretching — Stretching can be key to improving your agility. You may not always be able to stretch on your own, though. If you’re experiencing joint stiffness or other immobilizing symptoms, you may have trouble actively stretching. In this situation, passive stretches can be a great solution. Passive stretches are a form of hands-on physical therapy, also called manual therapy. This manual therapy technique involves your physical therapist using their hands to promote movement. If your leg is stiff, for example, your physical therapist may manually guide it through stretches. As your condition improves, you may be able to transition from passive to active stretches. Your physical therapist can help you practice targeted stretches to relieve tension and increase joint mobility. With continuous stretching, both active and passive, you can continue improving your flexibility. Good flexibility plays a crucial role in injury prevention, and it can help you excel in your sport.
• Soft tissue manipulation — Soft tissue manipulation is another manual therapy technique. With this technique, your physical therapist will apply gentle, controlled pressure to certain tissue. This manipulation can ease pain, release tension and improve blood flow. Have you recently sustained a soft tissue injury? Soft tissue manipulation may help ensure a swift and complete recovery. This technique can also relieve tension in tissue surrounding injured or irritated joints.
• Sport-specific training — Experienced physical therapists understand that different sports come with different demands. Some sports require high agility and coordination. Others are all about strength and endurance. An effective sports performance program will focus on the kind of training you need to excel in your sport. With sports physical therapy, you can train in sport-specific skills. You can also work to develop the muscles that are most often engaged in your sport. If you do a lot of running in your sport, for example, your physical therapist may focus on improving your gait and building strength in your legs. With sport-specific training, you can improve your fitness in ways that translate to better performance.
• Injury prevention — Sports injuries are common. According to the National Safety Council, 3.7 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving sports and recreational equipment in 2023. Sustaining an injury can have a big impact on your sports career as well as your physical well-being. A major injury could take you out of your sport for a full season or more. Physical therapy can help reduce your risk of injury, enabling you to stay in the game. Injury prevention comes in many forms. It can include strengthening weak muscles that would otherwise be vulnerable to injury. Education plays an important role as well. Your physical therapist can educate you on proper body mechanics. You may also practice warmup exercises in physical therapy. Engaging in these exercises before sports activities can help further improve your safety.

• Kinesiology taping — Kinesiology tape is a flexible tape often used by athletes. This specialized tape can offer many benefits, such as improved blood flow. Your physical therapist can help you get kinesiology tape and apply it to the right areas of your body. When applied to the skin, kinesiology tape can help assist muscle movement, improve stability and ease discomfort. These benefits can lead to a major boost in your athletic performance.

What to look for in a sports medicine physical therapy provider near you

Medicine doesn’t just refer to medication — medicine is the science of treating patients. It encompasses diagnosis, treatment, prevention and more. Sports medicine is the branch of medicine relating to athletic performance and fitness. Sports physical therapists are a type of sports medicine provider. If you’re looking for sports medicine in your area, you may want to find a top-notch physical therapy provider near you. Finding a treatment provider that can help you achieve your goals can be key to a productive, fulfilling treatment experience. Some factors to look for in a good treatment provider include:

• Credentials — A good treatment provider should have knowledgeable, credentialed staff. Expert physical therapists may hold a range of credentials. One credential to look for is a Certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (COMT). A COMT physical therapist will have advanced education on effective manual therapy treatments. They can apply this knowledge throughout your treatment journey. Other essential credentials include physical therapy degrees and board certifications in specific treatments. Looking for good credentials helps ensure that you’re in qualified hands during your treatment journey.
• Experience with athletes — Your treatment provider should have experience working with athletes and other active individuals. They should also have experience addressing any injuries or other conditions you have. This can enable them to deliver experience-informed treatment. Experience working with athletes means your physical therapist may be more likely to understand your situation. This can help them build a plan that accurately addresses your particular needs.
• Individualized care — A good treatment provider will customize your treatment to match your needs. At the start of your treatment journey, you may receive a comprehensive assessment. This can help your physical therapist get a deeper understanding of your condition. After an initial assessment, the next step is making a plan. A good physical therapist will work with you to develop a comprehensive, customized treatment plan. This plan will be informed by any specific injuries you have sustained or goals you want to achieve.

Lattimore Physical Therapy offers effective sports performance therapy

Are you ready to continue improving your fitness and sports performance? Lattimore Physical Therapy is here to help you each step of the way. Our staff has in-depth expertise and experience with treating and training athletes. We have 30 certified COMTs in our clinics. This enables us to deliver excellent manual therapy treatment. With over three decades spent serving our communities, we have gained in-depth experience treating athletes from all walks of life. Regardless of your particular sport or skill level, we can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your performance goals.

Contact our team today to learn more about sports physical therapy or to schedule an initial appointment.