---

Athletes need to maintain a high level of physicality and performance for them to continue excelling in their profession. Physical therapy, particularly in connection with athletics, is often thought of as part of the recovery/rehabilitation process following an injury or surgical procedure. While this is true in many cases, physical therapy can also be used as part of an integrated training regiment that helps elite athletes prepare for an upcoming competition or event, maintain their fitness levels during the course of a season, or even as a preventative measure against potential injuries. While the benefits of physical therapy as a recovery tool may be clear, there are several reasons why incorporating physical therapy into the regular training program of elite athletes an pay dividends. Below are 5 top reason why top elite athletes need a Sports Physical Therapist on their team.

1 | Prevent Athletic Injury

Prevention of injuries becomes much more important with elite athletes because missing time from practice and games has an enormous impact on the player and the team. A proper injury prevention program based specifically on their sport can reduce the risk of injuries and missing time. A therapist can identify bio-mechanical flaws that can separate the regular athletes from the elite performers. As movement specialists, we are trained to identify and correct inefficiencies in the body that can not only prevent injury but improve performance.

2 | Immediate Pain Relief

There will be times where an instantaneous pain-relief measure is needed for an athlete. Physical therapy practices such as hot and cold packs, manual techniques, joint manipulation, and dry needling may help keep the pain at bay, allowing an athlete to stay in the game. Physical therapy relieves muscular tension by targeting the source of pain before the athlete returns back to practice or an upcoming game. The rapid pain treatments help reduce reliance on opioid drugs for pain management among athletes.

3 | Relaxation

A cool-down after a long day on the field is just as important as a warm-up. Sports physical therapy is crucial for athletes because it helps them unwind after a strenuous workout or game day. A comprehensive athletic recovery session allows the athletes to relax their muscles, regain energy, and have an overall healthier body.

4 | Treatment for Athletic Injuries

While athletes may do everything in their power to prevent injuries, accidents do happen. Contact sports injuries are usually more severe and may even require surgery. Healing properly after an injury takes place is very important to an athlete’s recovery. Physical therapy provides an efficient recovery process that helps athletes build confidence, increase muscle strength, and get back onto the field at full-strength.

5 | Improve Performance

If you are involved in a highly active sport that requires a variety of movements which can be stressful to your body, you will want to have the ability to move in the most efficient and least stressful way possible for your body. At CED Sports we are committed to improving athlete’s functional movements to support the physical demands of life and sport. Our specialized treatment programs are focused on helping elite athletes improve their confidence, flexibility, stability, strength, agility, power, and more.

These five reasons are just the start of the benefits that physical therapy can offer athletes. If you are an athlete that is looking to take care of your body and improve your overall athletic performance, then you need to take advantage of all the things physical therapy can offer you and your body. Let CED Sports help manage your athletic journey and help you maintain an elite competitive edge.