Sports Specific Training
Athletes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and ages. The demands of their
sports differ, as do the surfaces they play on. The team of highly trained Physical
Therapists at Andersen Physical Therapy have developed a sport-specific and post-rehabilitation
program tailored to the individuals who strive to advance to the next level of their physical
abilities. The Sports Performance Program at Andersen Physical Therapy is developed and
supervised by a board certified physical therapist.
Sports Performance
Our program is designed by physical therapists who understand the important function of
the musculoskeletal system. Each patient enrolled in the
Sports Performance Program will be evaluated to determine the athletes limitations from
advancing to the next level of performance. The two major areas that can be addressed
are Muscular and Neurological.
Muscular:
This may include strength, endurance, and power of muscle groups
for specific sporting activities. Individuals need all areas to work in accordance to
reach their full potential. For example, an athlete may have significant muscle strength
though may not have muscle endurance to complete a prolonged activity.Neurological:
Neurological refers to the centers in the brain and spinal
cord responsible for communication and activation of muscles. A muscle cannot contract
without a nerve signal. Specific exercises can be performed which can increase and
sharpen the neural connections to the muscular system thus making the athlete quicker
and more precise at their given sport. These exercises include, however are not limited
to: proprioceptive, balance, and PNF patterned exercises.
Post Rehabilitation
This program is designed for those individuals who want to continue their physical
exercises beyond discharge from treatment. The post-rehabilitation program can be
flexible and specific to each client. This program is tailored for individuals who
want the independence yet enjoy the established guidelines for exercise. Andersen
Physical Therapy is fully equipped with state of the art resistance machines which
start as low as 2 pounds increments. Clients enjoy the ease of use with the comfort
of general supervision.
FAQ's Regarding Performance Program
Why is a Sports Performance Program important?
Most athletes want to achieve their maximum potential, however reaching that state
is not as simple as practicing the sporting activity. Self administered programs can
lack components that are crucial to reaching maximum potential; this is where our
program can be of assistance. Our athlete oriented physical therapists can determine
which components are missing and guide in exercises which will complete the training
experience.
Why choose a Physical Therapist over a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC),
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or a Personal Trainer?
These professionals lack the years of education and understanding of the musculoskeletal
system as compared to a physical therapist. Many of the previously-mentioned professionals
are highly-trained in exercises while physical therapists are also educated in anatomy,
physiology, biomechanics and how that relates to exercise.
How are the exercise programs administered?
The program can range from individual one on one with a board certified physical therapist
to a small group setting supervised from a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist Assistant.
