At-home sports therapy treatments

At-Home Sports Therapy Treatments

Sports therapy is the branch of physical therapy that deals with treating and preventing injuries related to sports, exercise and any other athletic pursuit. While you may associate it with professional or student athletes, sports therapy can help athletes and fitness seekers of any age and ability level.

Engaging in an athletic pursuit is a great way to stay fit and have fun, but it can take a toll on your body and potentially lead to injuries. By receiving sports therapy from a qualified clinician, you can improve your overall strength and stability, while helping the body’s natural healing process.

An equally important part of the treatment puzzle are the steps you take on your own. Part of your in-clinic sessions should include instruction on at-home exercises and other methods that can help you treat a current injury and prevent future ones from developing.

Your therapist can instruct you on these sports therapy treatments

Sports therapy methods you can do on your own include:

  • Strength and stability exercises — The particular recommendation will depend on your specific injury and level of fitness, but the basic goal should be to strengthen the muscles and connective tissue that supports the injured area.
  • Stretching techniques — Many sports-related injuries occur due to insufficient or improper stretching. Your sports therapy specialist can instruct you on proper warmups and cooldowns for your chosen activity.
  • Hot and cold compression therapy — Alternating a heat source to relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to the area with cold to relieve inflammation can be very beneficial for many injuries and help you recover from workouts.

Always listen to your body and stop any activity if something feels wrong, whether playing a sport or engaging in therapeutic exercise. Other important aspects of sports therapy include staying hydrated, practicing good posture and having good cardiovascular fitness.  

The therapists at Excel Sports and Physical Therapy are the experts you can trust

If you’re looking for sports therapy in the St. Louis city and county, St. Charles County and Warren County areas of Missouri, the dedicated and talented team at Excel Sports and Physical Therapy is here to help. We treat athletes of all ages and ability levels with customized plans and one-on-one care.

Learn more about our locations and treatment options when you contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.