How Spinal Alignment Improves Athletic Performance
Learning more about spinal alignment and exactly how it helps athletic performance
Have you ever considered how your spine affects your athletic performance? Having proper spine alignment is more than just good posture; your spine affects all different areas of the body and can influence things like strength and balance that are vital to a good sports performance. Misalignment could also hinder your body’s range of motion and cause issues like chronic pain.
Thankfully, physical therapy is a corrective, long-term solution for spin misalignment. Our sports therapists at Lamesa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Lamesa can detect spinal misalignment by looking at your joints, posture, and range of movement. We’re equipped with a wide array of evidence-based healing strategies to resolve symptoms, restore functions, and regain your performance in no time.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of spinal misalignment, give us a call today!
Symptoms of spine misalignment
Because of the complexity of the spine, misalignment can affect other parts of the body, like your hips, neck, and feet. If left untreated, spinal misalignment can cause more serious issues other than pain and discomfort. Once symptoms begin to appear, you should contact a licensed physical therapist trained to improve posture and spine dysfunctions.
Possible signs of spinal misalignment include:
- chronic headaches
- lower back pain
- neck pain
- knee pain
- hip pain
- fatigue
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- gait/walking abnormalities
Spinal alignment benefits & treatments
- Better Balance. In many sports, exceptional balance can make or break your performance. For example, a gymnast needs to maintain precise stability on the balance beam to execute skills and maintain good form. In soccer, balance, and coordination can help prevent stumbling or falls. During treatment for spinal alignment, your physical therapist will use hands-on methods and gentle pressure to adjust the vertebrae in your back and neck.
- Improved Strength. Strength is a vital component of almost every sport. Unfortunately, when you have a subluxation, strength is compromised, which can affect your ability to grip or catch a ball, tackle opponents, or support yourself during skills. Rather than relying on medication that only offers pain relief, physical therapy provides a long-term, natural, and corrective solution.
- Faster Healing Time. Physical therapists use powerful techniques such as spinal manipulation and manual therapy to get your spine in its proper position. These strategies, combined with exercise, help your range of movement, posture, and healthy muscle functioning, which all contribute to a quick recovery.
Your physical therapist may use corrective exercises, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and other therapies that reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and ease muscle spasms. - Superior Performance. You’ve probably noticed that your performance drops when you experience pain and tension. Fortunately, when you include physical therapy in your training plan, aches and pains caused by subluxations won’t hold you back from succeeding. Treatments may also speed up your reflexes, enhance nerve function, and even facilitate deeper breathing.
FAQ
Do I have to have a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist?
The short answer is no! Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without a prescription or referral, so it’s just as simple as calling to make an appointment!
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Some insurances will cover physical therapy while others will not. Before booking an appointment, it’s important to contact your insurance carrier and determine your coverage depending on your specific policy. In addition, our staff at Lamesa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Lamesa will gladly assist you and answer any questions you may have.
How long is each appointment going to be?
Although every patient is different, your initial consultation will take about an hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each session following the first appointment will typically last around 45-60 minutes.
Do PT treatments hurt?
The goal of physical therapy is to alleviate pain rather than exacerbate it. However, your pain levels may change depending on your condition, symptoms, and other unique needs. Our therapists will monitor your pain levels and prioritize your comfort while advancing your recovery.
Request an appointment today!
Spinal alignment is the key to athletic success. Our trained professionals at Lamesa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Lamesa know exactly how to target pain and improve your condition so you can get back in the game as soon as possible.
Call us at Lamesa Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Lamesa to schedule an appointment today!