Sports Therapist

Sports/Physical Therapists, Sometimes Called PTs, Help Injured Or Ill People Improve Their Movement And Manage Their Pain. These Therapists Are Often An Important Part Of Rehabilitation And Treatment Of Patients With Chronic Conditions Or Injuries.

Physical Therapists Provide Care To People Of All Ages Who Have Functional Problems Resulting From Back And Neck Injuries; Sprains, Strains, And Fractures; Arthritis; Amputations; Neurological Disorders, Such As Stroke Or Cerebral Palsy; Injuries Related To Work And Sports; And Other Conditions.

The Work Of Physical Therapists Varies By Type Of Patient. For Example, A Patient Experiencing Loss Of Mobility Due To Stroke Needs Different Care From That Given To An Athlete Recovering From An Injury. Some Physical Therapists Specialize In One Type Of Care, Such As Orthopedics Or Geriatrics. Many Physical Therapists Also Work At Preventing Loss Of Mobility By Developing Fitness And Wellness Programs To Encourage Healthier And More Active Lifestyles.

Physical Therapists Are Trained To Use A Variety Of Different Techniques—sometimes Called Modalities—to Care For Their Patients. These Techniques Include Applying Heat And Cold And Using Assistive Devices Such As Crutches, Wheelchairs, And Walkers And Equipment, Such As Adhesive Electrodes Which Apply Electric Stimulation To Treat Injuries And Pain.