Physical Therapy’s Impact on Athletes with Knee Injuries

Holland Low

My research focuses on athletes with knee injuries. More specifically, I am exploring the impacts that physical therapy has on those athletes. One current study looked at how physical therapy has the ability to provide injured athletes with the opportunity to regain strength in their knee quickly and make the patient stronger than they were pre-injury. Another study focused on the impact that sports injuries have on young athletes’ socialization. Sport injuries provide potential threats to an athlete's mental health and social skills. Lastly, another study focused on the importance of the bond between a physical therapist and an athlete. This relationship can provide the injured athlete with motivation, which can have a positive affect on their recovery. My research demonstrates the importance of physical therapy in order to build physical and mental strength, and to connect with the many athletes who have likely experienced a traumatic injury throughout their athletic careers. I intend to continue with the Research Practicum and want to work with a mentor in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation branch at Johns Hopkins University. This branch focuses on restoring movement to those with physical impairments or disabilities.