Staying active by participating in sports and engaging in other means of physical fitness is vital for longevity and good health. However, all of this movement doesn’t come without risk.
Whether it is an injury because you moved the wrong way while dancing, lifting something improperly while strength training, or performing the same movement repetitively for your sport, you may find yourself in need of professional help.
Do you look to sports medicine or physical therapy? The terms get tossed around a lot so let’s get to the bottom of them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is its own discipline, but is also a part of sports medicine. That’s because as part of their intensive and in-depth training, physical therapists learn how to handle general recovery needs as well as sports-related therapies.
Physical therapy involves restoring the motion of patients as well building their strength. But they don’t stop there. Many physical therapists choose to embody overall wellness and healing – and therefore choose to work closely with a chiropractor. This allows for a combination of services to increase the chances that the patient will reach the highest levels of mobility.
Chiropractors focus on adjusting the body to attain spine alignment. Once everything is in place as it should be, it is easier for the patient to move. He/she will begin to feel better and can, as a result, work through the physical therapy exercises with great ability. Working together as a team for the betterment of the patient leads to phenomenal results.
Physical therapists work with anyone and help with recovery. But, it should be noted that, while most of their work focuses on restoring mobility and function, they can also help to boost athletic performance. In other words, they go beyond recovery and focus on improvement.
Sports Medicine
Rather than the small focus that physical therapy has on healing and movement, sports medicine is very broad. It’s job is to treat injuries in relation to sports. Some sports medicine doctors focus on a specific sport while others do not. The better they understand the demands of a sport and the physical motions required, the better they are able to treat any injuries.
Sports medicine doctors tend to work with more serious athletes and focus on the proper mechanics and ways to prevent additional injuries. This team may consist of surgeons, medical doctors, orthopedic doctors, nutritionists, and more. A sports medicine team may even refer athletes to a chiropractor or physical therapist!
Choosing the Best Treatment For You
If you have been injured in a sport or while engaging in physical activity, you may wonder who can best meet your needs. Unless you have a serious injury, such as an ACL tear or a muscle tendon rupture, there is a good chance that a chiropractor that specializes in physical therapy may be your best option.
Seek Healing for Your Injury at Elite Performance Chiropractic
The professional team at Elite Performance Chiropractic knows how to successfully handle your sports injuries. After all, we are your elite provider for active care. We offer a wide range of services that will help you begin healing and get back to full movement in no time.
Ready to get started? Contact the team of experts at Elite Performance Chiropractic today at (312) 573-1800. Or, book an appointment online.