2 sports physical therapy methods a virtual physical therapist can use to help you

Are you an athlete or someone who lives a very active lifestyle? You could benefit from consulting a physical therapist. COVID-19 can make it difficult to visit a physical therapist’s office in person. There are many benefits in consulting a physical therapist virtually. For student-athletes and other active individuals, a virtual physical therapist can be helpful.

How can a virtual physical therapist help someone in sports?

• Prevent sports injury — Physical therapists can help clients learn prevention techniques during sports play.

• Provide pain relief — An appointment with a physical therapist could provide pain relief. They can recommend treatments like icing, using hot packs, and other therapeutic exercises.

• Treat injuries — Therapists can effectively work to treat injuries via telehealth appointments. They can recognize different types of injuries just from patient descriptions. Physical therapists can identify the type of sports injury a patient might have. Then, they can recommend the best course of action to treat it and prevent further injuries.

• Increase flexibility and strength — Physical therapists are specially equipped to recommend exercises for patients. It is best to perform these exercises during and after tele PT appointments. Performing exercises during and after appointments could help increase patient flexibility and strength.

What kinds of methods might a virtual physical therapist use?

Telehealth meetings allow for individuals to receive proper care without having to visit an office in person. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, telehealth meetings can be just as effective for a client as in-person therapy. Some of the ways a sports physical therapist might help an individual during a virtual session include:

• Activity trackers — Trackers like fitness watches are a great way to record movement throughout the day. You can also track the activity on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

• Create exercise programs — Therapists will work with you to create a program tailored to you. It is important to tell your therapist about things like your symptoms and therapy goals. That way, they can come up with the best plan for you.

• Fitness evaluation — During a virtual appointment, your therapist may ask you to move around on camera. This will help them evaluate things like your movement capability, range of motion and flexibility.

The physical therapists at Agile Virtual Physical Therapy could be right for you. If you’re a student-athlete or someone who loves to play sports, we’ve got your back. We’re committed to providing the best possible care. We want to help treat and prevent injuries, provide relief, and help you build back your strength.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.