Many athletes assume physical therapy is something they only need as part of the recovery process following an injury. If you buy into this misconception, you are only hurting yourself. In fact, regularly seeing a physical therapist is essential to preventing injuries in the first place. By allowing you to train more effectively without interruptions, it can even improve your everyday athletic performance. 

How Physical Therapy Prevents Injuries

Physical therapy is largely about learning how to move your body—the right way. For instance, a basic bicep curl can wreak havoc on your wrists if done wrong, while simple body resistance exercises like lunges may damage your knees if completed incorrectly. A physical therapist will help you improve your form to keep you from hurting yourself.

Many athletes also struggle with neck, shoulder, and back pain. This is most frequently due to issues with posture: When you slouch or move unevenly, you risk misaligning the vertebrae of your spine. This could even result in permanent damage in the form of scoliosis. A physical therapist with chiropractic training will fix your posture to reduce these aches and pains.

What the Process Is Like

If you are an athlete, a physical therapist can watch you go through regular training to pinpoint where you’re going wrong. As part of their mission to promote your overall well-being and prevent injury, they will also create tailor-made warm-up and cool-down plans for you. If you struggle with bad knees, for example, they will show you techniques to protect and strengthen them. Physical therapy ensures you can workout regularly, without the distraction that discomfort brings. 

For physical therapy and chiropractic services in St. Charles County, MO, trust O'Fallon Pain Relief Associates. With a focus on pain management, these professionals strive to treat the source of discomfort—not just the symptoms. They will create a tailor-made plan to address your needs. Get a full overview of their services online. For an appointment, call (636) 978-3000 today.