Though physical therapists are generally thought of as the people to call after an injury has occurred, many of them also offer preventative training and techniques. When it comes to sports injuries, being able to prevent the injury to begin with is always worth extra time and effort. Physical therapists are able to teach both casual and professional athletes methods of avoiding potential damage.

Detecting Injuries Early

Not every injury is something that occurs suddenly. A broken bone or a torn ligament may occur while on the field and playing a sport, but issues that occur over time are more common. A physical therapist will be able to educate an athlete on how to detect these injuries before they become problematic by identifying symptoms such as muscle tightness and soreness. In particular, athletes need to learn to be able to distinguish from ordinary post-workout discomfort and indicators of damage.

Moving the Right Way

Athletes such as runners need to know the proper way to move their body in order to avoid injury. As an example, sprinters need to sprint in a way that reduces the amount of impact on their knees, as knee injuries are very common. Baseball players, basketball players, and football players should all have training regarding the appropriate way to run, dodge, move, and even fall, to prevent the possibility of injury.

Determining Current Health Status

When recovering from an injury, it's absolutely critical that an athlete not return to their sport until they have fully recovered. But full recovery may take longer than an athlete thinks -- and they may feel. as though they are ready to return to the field before they truly are. A physical therapist will be able to analyze whether or not the athlete is truly ready to resume their activities, thereby preventing re-injury.

Creating an Exercise Program

Young athletes in particular have a tendency to overuse their bodies and cause damage to their growing bones and muscles. Other athletes, too, may overwork themselves. A physical therapist will be able to advise an athlete on whether or not their current exercise program could be too strenuous and could potentially lead to serious injury.

Every sport comes with the risk of injury. Through a physical therapist, athletes will be able to reduce but not eliminate their risk. Meeting with a physical therapist occasionally can be an excellent way to both brush up on training and treat injuries that may be occurring, such as repetitive stress issues. 

Click here for more on sports injury physical therapy or do an online search.