Sports
Sports is one of the practice areas recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Certification is achieved through successful completion of a standardized application and examination process. Physical Therapists who have achieved Sports Certified Specialization (SCS) have demonstrated expert knowledge in emergency care of athletes, epidemiology of injury, medical and surgical interventions, research, education, injury prevention, rehabilitation and sports performance of patients who are participating in sports at any level.
Common practices by SCS are:
- Evaluation and treatment of sports related injuries to the back, shoulders, knees, ankles, hips)
- Rehabilitation post surgical interventions
- Evaluation of and education on injury prevention
- Evaluation and education of techniques for performance enhancement
Resources
For more information visit the Sports Specialty website at: http://www.spts.org/education/sports-certified-specialist
Running Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvWkfseB8iE&feature=player_embedded
Did You Know?
Physical therapist-developed exercise programs can reduce athletes’ risk of injury by 41% (American Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2008)
Some tips for runners to prevent injury include:
- Address pain and discomfort as soon as it appears-with ice, rest, or by modifying your training program, ignoring symptoms is a sure way to develop chronic problems.
- Choose your running surface carefully. Hard surfaces, uneven terrain, and too many hills can lead to problems.
- Keep an eye on skin issues such as redness or blisters.
For a complete list of tips to avoid injuries, check out this Runners Tips handout.
Who's Your Sports PT?
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you. Click on the link to search for a PT, by specialty, in your area today!
Who is Your Physical Therapist?
Most people can tell you who their dentist or even hairdresser is. People build relationships with these professionals. How often do you hear people discuss who their physical therapists are?
Having a physical therapist who knows you and your functional goals can go a long way when dealing with pain, strength/motion loss, and nerve damage from a variety of injuries. Physical therapists provide individualized and hands-on methods to decrease discomfort and movement limitations.
It’s like knowing who to call for a toothache. Who is your physical therapist?
How Can Physical Therapy Help You?
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. Physical therapists diagnose and treat people of all ages, including newborns, children, and elderly individuals. They may consult and practice with other health professionals to help you improve your mobility.
The physical therapist assistant is a licensed individual who works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant has the knowledge, skills, and value-based behaviors needed to help implement the interventions prescribed by the physical therapist in the plan of care. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are the only valid providers of physical therapy services.
Your Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Can Help You With:
- Arthritis
- Balance Disorders
- Back Pain
- Knee Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse Injuries
- Shoulder Pain
- Stroke
- Sprains, strains, and fractures
- And much more
In Ohio, you can see a Physical Therapist Without Referral!
In most states, you can make an appointment with a physical therapist directly, without a physician’s referral. In 2004 Ohio became the 39th state in the nation to authorize physical therapists to evaluate and manage patients without a referral. More information on direct access.
Find My Physical Therapist
Find a PT allows you to search a national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for the purpose of finding a physical therapist who is right for you.
Become a PT or PTA
Learn more about the profession of physical therapy and how you can become a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the links below.
