Why sports team need a physiotherapist as part of effective management

A sports team may be a career point for the players, but it is an investment to the stakeholders. It, therefore, needs proper administration and management.

Physiotherapists most of the times go unnoticed when it comes to crucial people in the team. The coach trains the players to achieve success in the field. Such players use up money for their care and more of it in the face of an injury. Sports physical therapy may not treat the injury, but it plays a significant role in determining, whether the player goes back to their initial form, both physically and emotionally. Sports physical therapy is a combination of different activities which involve;

• Prevention

  The sports physical therapists try to stay aware of the factors likely to cause injuries during matches. They recommend necessary precautions during games. In most teams they notice overuse injuries before they get out of hand.

• Recovery

  The sports physical therapy department is in charge of player recovery after injuries. The sports physical therapists make an emotional and physical connection for the quick recovery of the athlete.

• Sports rehabilitation

  After the injured player has undergone sports physical therapy, it is their duty to carry out sports rehabilitation for the player. It determines whether they are fit to play again or not.

• Research

  Sports physical therapists spend most of their time researching on sports rehabilitation techniques and new ways of handling the emotional trauma of an injury.

• Teaching

  Sports Physical therapists work hand in hand with the sports trainers to recommend the right physical exercise for the team.

Here are some reasons that make physiotherapy a vital part of the team management.

Hip injuries require the services of an arthroscopy. They can identify compensation patterns that arise from injury. Certain secondary compensation patterns are, however, more persistent. Physiotherapists come to help manage them, by restoring the injured hip to full recovery. Physical therapy results to complete pain relief and normal organ function. It is essential for any surgeon to stay in contact with sports physical therapists after an injury treatment.

Most sports injuries depend on physical therapy after surgery. The therapists offer post surgery sports rehabilitation, to ensure expensive players resume the game devoid of physical joint and muscle pain. Sports teams that do not have physical therapists release their players back to the field with slight pains that escalate due to muscle pulling.

Physical therapists are taxed with proper care for musculoskeletal injuries. They spend more time with the players monitoring progress, correcting imbalances and facilitating the return to the field. It is important to note a surgeon may approve a healed injury3 capable of withstanding pressure, but they are not in charge of confirming total physical fitness of a player or recommending the return to the field.

Physiotherapists conduct general movement, and strength assessments for recuperating players. They take the time to focus on the cause of the problem which in most cases is never where the pain is. Overuse injuries are common among sports people. They are caused by the difference in strength during rapid movements. Sports physical therapy recognizes the importance of rooting out the cause of the problem, to avoid situations of recurrent pain.

Sports physical therapy focuses on the complete restoration of the player after an injury. It is always more than just the physical healing since the therapists more often handle the emotional problems of an injury. Some players take longer to get back to shape, because of fear of returning where they got injured. Physical therapy deals with these concerns by recommending preventative measures, performance enhancement techniques, and the right warm up procedures.

Some sports physical therapy uses a hands-on approach that focuses on flexibility and strengthening core muscles to avoid injuries. Weak core muscles are a common cause of wrong field movements that result in pain or injury. Doctors also require therapists to take care of the deficiencies identified during physical exams. Such treatments involve strengthening weak points in the body that may cause a problem.

Physiotherapists are in charge of assessing the fitness of players after a match and clearing them for the next. They notice small injuries that require immediate attention and those that may take longer to treat. Such observations help team managers, plan and prepare for the next games.

Physical therapists liaise with the team management in the provision of health services for players. They identify other medical consultants and surgeons to collaborate with as the team’s medical staff. Together they personalize the treatment and care of each player.

Most players require prophylactic strapping during games. The straps offer kinetic taping which activates muscles. It is the responsibility of physiotherapists on a team to identify suitable straps for each player and to strap it on them the right way, for maximum efficiency before a game. Prophylactics can cause damage if not properly used by exerting excess pressure on body parts.

The administrative unit of any team has to consult with the physical therapists about the health of any player in the team. They are always the first to notice signs of a permanent injury, which may require the team to get a replacement.

It is clear that the services of physiotherapists in a sports team go beyond physical fitness. There emotional and physical contributions are fundamental to decisions made when releasing and bring in new players. Despite such a critical responsibility, they ensure the team members are at optimum fitness for great success.