Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who knows that being in great shape makes you feel good, maintaining peak physical condition is crucial to performing your best. Especially for those who are looking for whole-body improvements, a licensed athletic trainer provides the insights, encouragement, and sustainable habits that create the lifestyle you love.
Our licensed athletic physical therapists go beyond the average gym instructors, and are trained in physical therapy techniques where the focus isn’t just on pushing yourself to the brink, but also on helping you find the techniques and routine that feel the most natural to your goals. Whether you’re looking to improve speed, agility, strength, or endurance, our trainers are here to help.
What is an athletic physical therapist?
Athletic physical therapists are not your average personal trainers. They possess a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and passion for rehabilitation and performance enhancement. While personal trainers focus primarily on fitness and exercise, athletic physical therapists bring a wealth of expertise in physical therapy, tailoring their approach to meet both injury prevention and performance goals.
Unlike a typical personal trainer, these therapists hold advanced degrees in physical therapy and undergo rigorous licensing requirements. They are experts in biomechanics, kinesiology, and rehabilitation, offering a more comprehensive approach to fitness. This enables them to address underlying issues, correct movement patterns, and ensure athletes perform at their best without compromising safety.
Imagine having a professional by your side who understands both the science of the human body and the art of sports performance. These therapists are not only invested in topics of rehab and recovery but also in helping you reach milestones you never thought possible. Whether you’re coming back from an injury or aiming to crush a new personal record, they are there every step of the way.
Goals for athletic physical therapy
No two athletes are alike, and neither are their goals. Athletic physical therapy recognizes this diversity and offers highly personalized care to meet individual needs. Whether you aim to excel in a particular sport, prepare for a race or event, or simply enhance your overall fitness, an athletic physical therapist can help you get there.
No matter your specific performance goals, the overarching point of athletic physical therapy is to optimize performance while reducing the risk of injury. This involves assessing an athlete’s current physical condition, using cutting-edge evaluations and technology to identify weaknesses or imbalances, and crafting a tailored plan to address them. By focusing on prevention and performance enhancement, our therapists empower athletes to push their limits safely.
For those who experience an injury during training or playing sports, the goals will shift. We’ll continue to be your partner through rehabilitation and regaining full functionality. A licensed athletic trainer will work closely with you to develop a customized recovery plan, ensuring that you return to your sport stronger and more resilient than before.
What to expect from a physical therapist for athletes
Appointments with a licensed athletic trainer are not too different from a normal personal trainer. One difference might be that your first session typically involves a thorough assessment of your physical condition, goals, and any existing concerns. The therapist will evaluate your movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. This initial assessment serves as the foundation for a customized plan tailored to your needs.
Once the assessment is complete, your therapist will design a program that addresses your specific goals. This includes exercises to improve strength, enhance flexibility, and correct any movement imbalances over time. We can utilize many types of equipment depending on your preferences and needs, including free weights, resistance bands, Olympic weights, and TRX bands, among others.
Throughout your sessions, your therapist provides ongoing support and guidance, monitoring your progress and making adjustments as needed. Their holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your physical well-being are considered, allowing you to achieve your goals safely and effectively.
Start your comprehensive fitness journey
Ready to take your athletic performance to new heights? Call one of our nearby clinic locations or request your first appointment online to start the conversation about how an athletic physical therapist can help you achieve your performance goals. Whether it’s overcoming an injury or reaching new fitness milestones, the support and expertise of our professionals can make all the difference.
