Sports Physical Therapy

Evaluation / Assessment

A physical therapy evaluation is an assessment that physical therapists use to evaluate a patient’s current condition, examine any past medical history related to their injury or illness, and determine the best course of treatment. During the evaluation, the therapist will assess range of motion, posture, and how the body moves in relation to specific tasks. They may also observe how a person stands, walks or performs certain activities.

Your physical therapist will ask you specific questions about your injury or condition, as well as any pain you have and limitations at home or during sports activities. They will also talk to you about your prior performance levels and goals for therapy.

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As part of the full examination, the therapist typically evaluates your range of motion, strength, and (if possible) your mechanics while performing sports-specific movements such as running, jumping, or changing direction rapidly. A selection of specialized tests may be carried out to help the physical therapist pinpoint an accurate diagnosis.

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Evaluations are an important part of our work at physical therapy centers as it helps us determine what type of treatments are best suited to help a patient heal and improve their overall functioning.

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Treatment

Phase 1: During the first phase of post-injury recovery, it is essential to address any pain, inflammation or swelling present. Soft tissue massage and icing can help reduce these symptoms, while compression modalities can be utilized to further minimize pain. Additionally, gentle stretching and mobility exercises that focus on restoring range of motion are also often used, in addition to light muscle activation exercises.

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Phase 2: During phase two of rehabilitation, the focus is usually on increasing strength, range of motion, flexibility, and balance. Those looking to prevent an injury rather than treating one may begin at this stage. Depending on your diagnosis, your therapist will show you how to gradually involve the affected area in strength training exercises. They can also develop an exercise plan that provides support to the injured area. Furthermore, proprioceptive training is typically initiated as a means of boosting balance and stability before returning to more intense sporting activities.

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Phase 3: The last phase of rehabilitation involves introducing sport-specific drills and exercises.  This is also the phase in which we help you develop a plan to address the root causes of your initial injury that are inhibiting your performance. We want you not only back in the gym, but at a higher level than ever before! At this stage, your therapist will typically examine your mechanics while performing movements required for your particular sport. They can also assist you in developing endurance and create an appropriate return-to-sport schedule depending on your individual circumstances. Ultimately, you are usually cleared to resume the desired activity with a home exercise program to continue with afterwards.

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Home Exercise Program

A physical therapy home exercise program is a personalized plan of therapeutic exercises that are tailored to your individual needs. These exercises are meant to be done at home and can be used to facilitate progress between visits to the physical therapy clinic. The goal of these programs is to help you stay active, reduce pain, build strength and endurance, improve balance and coordination, and promote overall wellness. Depending on your unique needs, an individualized plan may include stretching, strengthening workouts or balance activities. The therapist will provide detailed instructions on how each exercise should be completed, including sets, repetitions and duration and this will be provided through our partner app Theracentric.

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