Ann Silva Whether you’re lifting weights, kicking a field goal or running a 5K, having proper form is key to maximizing strength, speed and endurance. Physical therapists can help evaluate and adjust your form for the best results.
Physical therapy can identify imbalances in your muscles that improve your overall strength and stability, reducing strain on joints and decreasing your risk of injury. How physical therapy can enhance your performance on the trails.
Visit our website to learn how targeted therapies and exercises can help trail bikers reach peak performance and minimize the risk of injuries.
Strengthening
A physical therapist is trained in a variety of techniques and methods for treating injuries. This includes the use of a variety of strengthening exercises, which will help you improve strength and endurance for any activity or sport.
If you’re unable to extend your arm or leg at a full range of motion, it’s very difficult to play sports well. Your PT will prescribe exercises that will improve your range of motion, so you’ll be able to move more freely.
Having a high level of flexibility is also essential for athletes, as it boosts performance and helps reduce the risk of injury. Your PT will identify any issues and provide stretches that will increase your flexibility and make you feel great physically.
Many people seek out physical therapy for injury recovery, but this treatment can be beneficial even if you’re just looking to take your fitness level to the next level. A physical therapist will evaluate your health and fitness goals, and create an exercise plan that’s right for you. You may need to push yourself a little more than you’re used to, but the results will be worth it. This will help you get better results on the field or court and reach new heights in your sport. Then you’ll be able to say, with pride, that your PT helped you get the best of your game.
Range of Motion
Athletes and regular exercisers know the importance of maintaining good range of motion. However, some people do not understand how important this is and how it impacts performance.
Having poor range of motion can limit your ability to move your muscles and joints through their full potential. It can even impact your daily activities like climbing stairs or reaching down to tie your shoe, putting you at risk for injury.
The good news is that your physical therapist can help you improve your range of motion through mobility exercises. These exercises increase the safe movement potential of your joints and muscles, increasing your ability to perform at a higher level without compromising your safety or health.
Active Range of Motion (AROM) happens when you move a body part by yourself. A physical therapist can use a device called a goniometer to measure your AROM, allowing them to see how much your joint moves and whether it’s moving comfortably.
Passive range of motion, on the other hand, occurs when a joint is moved by someone else or an object. This can put you at a higher risk for injury because the other person might not be able to tell how far your joint can safely go. Your physical therapist will use a combination of passive and active range of motion exercises to increase your AROM and prepare you for more advanced exercise.
Flexibility
When it comes to movement, flexibility is the key. It allows your muscles to move in their proper sequence, which is critical to your overall performance. In addition, flexible muscles can help reduce injury risk.
When your body is tight and tense, it can create imbalances that lead to injuries. A physical therapist can help identify and correct these imbalances. They can also teach you stretches and techniques to perform before and after exercise or sports to reduce your chances of injury.
Injuries can sideline athletes for weeks or even months, which can drastically affect their performance. Whether they’re lifting weights, kicking a field goal or running a race, good form is critical to speed, strength, endurance and power. Physical therapists can analyze your form and give you tips on how to improve it, which will help you reach your goals faster.
When you work with a physical therapist, it’s important to be honest and communicate with them. Tell them if something is uncomfortable or painful, and listen to their advice between sessions. If they tell you to skip an activity, don’t ignore them. It’s better to wait until you’re cleared by your therapist than push through an injury and end up in worse shape. They can also give you at-home exercises to supplement your sessions, which will help with consistency and repetition.
Coordination
Coordination is a crucial skill that many people don’t consider when they think about their fitness. However, if you’re looking to take your sports performance to the next level, coordination exercises can make all the difference.
Coordination involves the ability to use your eyes and brain together with your muscles and limbs to perform smooth movements, according to Hinge Health. It’s the type of thing that lets you save a toddler from falling into a sharp table or catch the glass your spouse knocks off the counter. It’s also the type of coordination that makes it possible for elite athletes to effortlessly juggle multiple balls at once or hit a volleyball over a net without losing control of the ball.
A physical therapist can help you improve your coordination by focusing on correct movement patterns that reduce your risk of injury, imbalanced muscle strength, and unbalanced body weight. They can also teach you proper breathing techniques, which will allow you to work harder and recover faster from exercise.
Your physical therapist can also recommend a variety of other holistic treatments to support your fitness and athletic goals, including biofeedback therapy and nutritional counseling. Both of these are types of mind-body medicine that involve monitoring equipment to track things like heart rate and blood pressure, then using that information to teach you how to exert better control over your body.
