Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints, making movement difficult. The condition often occurs among older people because of degeneration of the cartilage in the joints, although some people develop arthritis after a sports injury. Arthritis can occur in any of the joints in the body, and if you are an athlete, flare-ups of inflammation may make playing sports unbearable. Sports physical therapy techniques can help athletes who suffer from arthritis.
Identification
Sports physical therapy focuses on several types of rehabilitation and prevention measures for athletes. The goal of sports physical therapy is to keep players in their games by evaluating where they may be prone to injuries and providing treatment and rehabilitation. A sports physical therapist may help you improve your performance by working specifically in areas that may be weakened by your arthritis.
Evaluation
Sports physical therapists evaluate your performance and help you to stay conditioned to reduce the incidence of injuries. When your muscles are fatigued, you may be more likely to sustain an injury while playing sports because these muscles are less able to protect your joints. Physical therapists can evaluate your ability to return to playing by assessing injuries and athletic abilities.
Prevention
If you are an athlete with arthritis, a sports physical therapist may help you avoid injuries. A physical therapist in this specialty can recommend certain types of equipment to use or assess your athletic abilities to determine whether you are using incorrect techniques that can cause injuries.
Treatment
A physical therapist may help you control pain and improve muscle function after an injury. They may use heating pads or ice packs on the affected area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some sports therapists use ultrasound equipment, which can deliver heat deep into the tissue to relax the muscles. Physical therapists also can teach you exercises, including range of motion movements, water activities or strength training, to improve your flexibility and reduce the possibility of injuries.
