There are few things more devastating to an athlete than a sports injury. While injuries can occur regardless of the best preparation and safety measures, a strong recovery plan can minimize the impact on athletic performance.
A registered Sport Rehabilitator on the BASRaT Register has comprehensive insurance, current first aid qualification and adheres to a strict code of conduct and professional practice.
What is sports rehab?
Sports rehab is a treatment program tailored to an athlete’s specific needs and injury. While physiotherapy covers a wide range of injuries and ailments, sports rehabilitation specialises in treating athletes from the time they are injured, all the way through to returning them to their game.
During the initial stages of the recovery process, sports rehab focuses on controlling pain and swelling through the use of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) methods. As the healing process progresses, therapists will progress patients to exercises or movements that mimic their sport or game, moving slowly up in difficulty until they have healed enough to tolerate the rigours of the sports activity without aggravating their injury.
Sports therapists are trained to recognise when a patient has reached the end of their rehabilitation, and they may refer them to other members of the healthcare team for further assessment or treatment. This ensures that the patient is receiving optimal care for their injury.
What are the benefits of sports rehab?
Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or an elite professional athlete, sports rehab is essential for anyone who has suffered from an injury. It can relieve pain, reduce swelling and improve strength, flexibility and balance. In addition, it can help prevent future injuries by improving your body’s ability to react quickly and adapt to the demands of your sport.
During recovery, your physical therapist may use various techniques to decrease pain and oedema to allow the exercise-based portion of your treatment program to begin sooner. This will speed up your return to sport and improve your overall athletic performance.
Athletes know that a injury can mean the end of the season, but it shouldn’t. Athletes who dedicate themselves to a rigorous sports rehabilitation program can cut days or even weeks off their time on the bench by following proper training protocols initiated immediately after an injury. This is a far more effective approach than simply resting, as too much rest can actually harm an athlete’s progress towards recovery.
How do I get started with sports rehab?
Starting a sports rehabilitation center can be a lucrative endeavor, but it requires careful planning. Begin by researching the market and identifying potential competitors. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines services, target market, and marketing strategy. Secure funding to cover startup costs and ongoing operations. Determine legal structure and obtain necessary permits and licenses. Find a suitable location for the facility and negotiate lease terms.
Injuries are common in sports, and they can be severe. Some injuries, like sprains or fractures, require surgery. Others, like concussions or herniated discs, can be life-threatening. Fortunately, sports rehab is here to help athletes recover from their injuries and return to the sport they love.
What are the risks of sports rehab?
While it is always a risk to play sports, there are many ways that you can minimize the chance of injury. Getting regular physical examinations can help to detect problems before they become serious injuries and making sure that you take time to rest between activities will also reduce your risk.
However, it is important to remember that no matter how careful you are, injuries will happen from time to time. If you do sustain an injury, it is crucial to have a strong support bubble and to make sure that you follow the recovery protocol prescribed by your doctor.
The duration of an injured athlete’s time on the sidelines can be reduced significantly by dedicating themselves to their rehabilitation program and ensuring compliance with therapy sessions. With hard work and dedication, injured athletes can return to their sport feeling stronger, healthier, and pain-free. This way, they can focus on improving their performance rather than worrying about a potential injury.
