Poor body mechanics, or a small injury can lead to diminished sports performance. Whether you are an elite athlete trying to make it to the top of your game, or you simply want to improve your tennis abilities, physical therapy can address a number of issues. If you are in pain, feel stiffness, or you have limited range of motion in one of your joints, it's time to see how PT Physical Therapy can support your healing process.

Addressing Compensatory Strategies

If you have pain when you move your body a certain way, you develop compensatory strategies to avoid the pain. In an obvious case, you could end up limping while you walk as compensation. When your body is not in alignment and not working properly, your sports performance will be reduced. A physical therapist will do a thorough exam to identify problem areas and come up with a treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Optimizing Muscle Strength

One of the best ways to improve your overall sports performance is to optimize your muscle strength. If you have pain, or a muscle feels tight, a physical therapist will work to address these issues. You may receive massage, stretching, ultrasound, and other manual therapies to reduce strain on your muscles. Your physical therapist will teach you strengthening exercises that target specific muscles. You will get the attention you need at PT Physical Therapy to isolate and treat muscles that are not working properly.

Body Movements and Your Overall Wellness

Physical therapy works to minimize problems with body movements, while using your natural abilities to heal. A physical therapist looks at your overall movement, how you walk and run, in order to determine treatment that is right for you. When you work with a physical therapist, you will set treatment goals and see how close you can get to reaching your goals. As you progress in treatment, you will see your abilities increase. Your therapist may talk to you about a range of ways to improve your gait, and to strengthen your body for optimal performance.

When you work with a physical therapist, you will go at your own pace. Together you will develop a treatment plan based on your health goals. If you are looking to improve your ability at a particular sport, physical therapy will address your impairments and look for ways to increase your strength, stamina and speed. Physical therapy can help you improve your game, decrease pain, and give you the edge you want.