Sports Therapy in Orland Park

When you think about an athletic therapist, or physical therapy in general, you probably picture a doctor who can treat athletes on the field when they injure themselves mid-game. In a clinical setting, you picture them bandaging sprains and strains. But there is much more to athletic physical therapy.

The athletic therapists at Ascend Physical Therapy are very effective in treating musculoskeletal injuries for any citizen of Orland Park because of their background in quick thinking on the field—a skill that strengthens the practitioner’s ability to assess quickly and prescribe proper rehabilitation.

Five Domains

The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association defines the domains of practice for an athletic therapist as:

  1. Prevention
  2. Assessment
  3. Intervention
  4. Rehabilitation
  5. Reconditioning

Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)

The IPTA defines physical therapy as a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance and promotion of optimal physical function. This includes:

  • Examining individuals with impairment, functional limitation, and disability or other health-related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention.
  • Alleviating impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.
  • Preventing injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in people of all ages.
  • Engaging in consultation, education, and research.

Prevention

Athletic therapists can stop an injury before it even happens. Of course there will always be the possibility of accidents, but if you are educated on strategies and receive conditioning training and postural evaluation, you put yourself in the best position for avoidance. Education is the strongest tool you can possess to keep yourself safe.

Assessment

Trained to assess on a dime in case of an emergency, athletic therapists are experts at understanding injuries suffered by using tried and true practices.

They can quickly determine signs and symptoms of an injury as well as perform the first steps of required treatment.

Intervention

Often first on the scene when an injury occurs, athletic therapists can provide basic emergency care to recognize and stabilize their clients prior to admission to a hospital. The intervention of a physical therapist can save a client’s life.

Rehabilitation

While some physical therapy requires a slow and steady pace, the aim of an athletic therapist is to get you back on your feet again so that you can get back in the game. They will never rush you, but apply deep focus and strong goals so you can push at your pace and get back to the shape you were in before suffering an injury.

Reconditioning

With reconditioning, the cycle is complete. This is the step taken before you can return to a prevention state. By creating a custom exercise plan, your therapist will help you take the last step to continuing your active life as safely as possible.

Responsible for Your Health

Physical therapists practice professional responsibility. At Ascend Physical Therapy, we adhere to strict health care guidelines when it comes to keeping you safe, but as certified emergency responders, athletic therapists take on additional responsibility.

Your athletic therapist will always promote safe participation and provide their timely care. They will act with honesty and integrity and maintain confidentiality when required. Our athletic therapists are representing you as well as their profession and will always do so with the greatest respect and professionalism.

Whether you live in Orland Park or are travelling for a sports career, Ascend Physical Therapy is available for emergency or non-emergency situations.