Difference between Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy

Sports medicine and physical therapy are two important areas of medicine- especially for athletes and others who are physically active. If you’ve ever experienced an injury, had major surgery, or considered improving your physical performance, you’ve probably heard of these. At first glance, they share many similarities. However, at a deeper level, they have their own unique focus and benefits.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a field that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to physical activity. Basically, the focus is on keeping people active, whether you are a competitive athlete or just want to stay physically fit.

Sports medicine covers the following:

Prevention of Injuries

Sports medicine professionals work with patients to help avoid injuries when participating in physical activities. They can help you build personalized workout plans, explain the proper techniques, and advise you on the best equipment to use.

Treating Injuries

If you are injured, a sports medicine professional can help. They have the training to diagnose your injury and offer treatments ranging from medication to physical therapy, and if necessary, surgery.

Rehabilitation

The primary goal of sports medicine is to get you back to your previous level of performance quickly and safely. They will work with you throughout your recovery process so that you can get back to what you love.

Boosting Performance

There is more to sports medicine than diagnosing and treating injuries- it’s also about improving your performance ability. Sports medicine can help you reach your peak through a combination of nutrition, training advice, and mental strategies.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a broad field focused on improving movement, function, and overall quality of life. A physical therapist is trained to help patients recover from injuries or surgeries, as well as manage chronic conditions.

While there is some overlap between the two fields, physical therapy extends to a broader range of conditions, not just those related to sports. Physical therapy covers the following:

Recovery Following Injury/Surgery

Physical therapy is the key to regaining strength and mobility following an injury or surgery. A physical therapist will use exercises, hands-on therapy, and other techniques to help you with recovery.

Managing Chronic Pain

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist will work with you to develop strategies that reduce pain and improve your overall quality of life.

Improving Movement

Physical therapy can also be helpful when dealing with conditions such as arthritis or recovering from a stroke. It can help you move better and maintain your independence.

Prevention of Future Issues

Just like sports medicine, a physical therapist focuses on the prevention of injuries. They will work with you to assess your risks and create a plan to keep you safe, whether you are an athlete or you just want to stay active as you age.

How Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy Work Together

Often, the two areas go hand-in-hand. For example, a sports medicine doctor may diagnose your injury and then refer you to a physical therapist for rehabilitation. On the other hand, a physical therapist may consult with a sports medicine specialist to ensure that you are getting the care that you need.

Schedule Your Consultation with Flying Horse Medical Center Today

Choosing between the two depends on your personal needs. If you’ve suffered an injury, want to prevent future injuries, or are an athlete interested in improving your performance, sports medicine may be your best option. However, if you are recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or want to improve your mobility, physical therapy may be the best option.

Flying Horse Medical Center strives to ensure patients receive the care that they need, which is why we offer both sports medicine and physical therapy services. We are here to help you recover, stay healthy, and reach your fitness goals. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can support you on your journey to better health.