Are you an athlete looking to take your performance to the next level? Sports performance training can be a great option: It’s a specialized, comprehensive approach to athletic wellness. The regimen involved in sports performance training typically includes specialized stretches and exercises. Each aspect of your training plan will be designed to train your body and enhance your performance. Sports performance training integrates effective physical therapy techniques to deliver optimal results.

Going beyond general fitness, sports performance training works to hone specific skills and get you in peak condition. Interested in learning more about this kind of training? Learning about the top benefits of sports performance training can show why it’s an excellent strategy for casual and professional athletes alike.

Key benefits of sports performance training

• Improved strength — Strength is crucial for many sports. Whether your main sport is a martial art or a competitive game like volleyball, muscle strength plays a major role in overall performance. Jumping, sprinting and tackling all require strong, sturdy muscles. With sports performance training, you can work to build strength for your sport. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises that engage your most used muscles. If you’re a swimmer, for example, the best exercises might be those that target your core, upper back and shoulders. In addition to improving performance, building muscle can also keep you safe. By strengthening weak areas, you can reduce your chances of sustaining a sports injury.
• Increased agility — Agility means being able to move quickly and easily. As an athlete, high agility is likely essential for your sport. If you are a runner, for example, speed is a crucial attribute along with endurance. In addition to boosting your speed, agility-centered training can also bolster your reaction time. Being able to react quickly is a key skill in a wide range of athletic disciplines. By improving your speed and agility, you can keep your reaction time low. This is especially important for sports that require frequent changes in direction. Soccer, tennis and basketball are all sports that involve speed as well as rapid pivoting. With focused stretches, sports performance training can help you become more agile and flexible. Greater freedom of movement lowers your risk of injury while also enhancing your overall performance. 
• Better endurance — Do you often find yourself running low on energy? Athletic activities can be exhausting. When you engage in your sport, you might notice your body feeling exhausted after the first hour or two. When you start to feel exhausted, you may need to take a break to regain your energy. While rest is always important to prevent overexertion, performance training can help you exercise for longer periods. When you engage in training, you can find new ways to improve endurance. This is essential for athletic activities that demand prolonged physical exertion. If you’re a swimmer or a marathon runner, for example, stamina is vital.
• Injury prevention — Sports injuries can be serious. After sustaining an injury on the field, you may experience symptoms for weeks or even months afterward. Lingering effects such as back pain, weakness and stiffness can prevent you from returning to the activities you love. If you are a professional athlete, a sports injury can have a significant impact on your career. Fortunately, sports injuries are often preventable. When you work with a physical therapist, you can practice techniques designed to prevent sports injuries. Are you concerned that you might stretch or tear a stiff muscle? Your physical therapist can guide you through stretches intended to reduce stiffness. Strengthening vulnerable areas is another common preventive strategy. Techniques such as balance and gait training can also help you avoid injuries. These techniques work by improving your coordination and body mechanics.
• Faster recovery — If you have experienced a recent sports injury, a physical therapist can help you work toward a quick and complete recovery. A major strength of PT is its adaptability. Your physical therapist can increase your training regimen according to your recovery rate. They may also provide healing-focused treatments. Treatments like manual therapy are great for alleviating pain and promoting natural healing.
• Greater coordination — Coordination is vital for nearly all sports. With sports performance training, you can improve your control over your body. Your trainer will work with you to hone control over body movements and overall stability. This can be essential for empowering you to make more complex, precise moves.

What to look for in sports performance training services near you

Searching for a sports performance training program near you? When looking for a good program, it is essential to find a provider that meets your needs. A great provider will provide personalized care and work with you to achieve your goals each step of the way. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Qualified trainers — Quality sports performance training comes from qualified experts. When evaluating your options, look for a program that offers training from experienced trainers. A physical therapy clinic can be a great place to take part in sports performance training. This is because physical therapists tend to be well versed in a variety of broader care techniques in addition to sports-specific strategies. With the right trainers, you can receive expert guidance and practice safe, effective training methods.
• Client satisfaction — Reputation is important. When researching sports performance training programs, look into testimonials and reviews from other athletes. Other athletes having positive things to say about the program can indicate quality training. As you learn about the experiences of others, consider whether these experiences sound appealing to you. Are athletes who play your sport reporting positive results? If so, the program might be a great fit. Overall, looking into client reviews can provide valuable insights into a program’s effectiveness.
• Comprehensive services — Look for programs that offer a versatile range of services. A good sports performance training program will integrate many strategies to ensure that all your needs are met. Core aspects of a comprehensive training program may include strength training, agility drills, focused stretches and nutritional advice. Each aspect of your training should work to improve your physical health and conditioning. A well-rounded approach is essential for enhancing all aspects of your sports performance.

Can a physical therapist perform sports training?

Are physical therapists qualified to perform sports training? The answer is yes. With the right qualifications, a physical therapist can provide sports training services to athletes. In fact, physical therapists tend to offer especially effective training due to their background. 

While physical therapy and sports training may seem somewhat unrelated, both focus on the human body’s performance. Physical therapists receive extensive physiological education, providing them with a deep understanding of how the human body functions. When it comes to sports training, a physical therapist can use their knowledge and skills to help optimize the way your body works.

Get professional sports performance training at Lattimore Physical Therapy

Ready to get sports performance training tailored to your needs? Lattimore Physical Therapy is here to help. Our physical therapists are educated on the latest sports training protocols by a dedicated sports medicine committee. With our expertise and hands-on approach to care, we are ready to help you achieve your athletic goals.

Contact our team today for more information about sports performance training or to schedule an initial appointment.