An active lifestyle can promote mental and physical health. Unfortunately, people who are active may sometimes develop injuries as a result of their activities. Luckily, sports medicine doctors are there to help you get back on your feet. Sports physical therapy is designed to encourage recovery after an acute or repetitive stress injury. Here are some components of sports physical therapy that may help you recover after an injury:

1. Massage

You may have received a massage for the purpose of relaxation in the past. It's true that massages are excellent for relieving tension. However, they can also be therapeutic. During sports physical therapy, you may receive therapeutic massages at the sight of your injury. Massages can loosen tight muscles and relieve pain without the need for medication.

2. TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is a type of therapy that utilizes electricity. During TENS therapy, electrode pads are attached to the afflicted area of your body. Electricity is funneled through these pads into your body, where it will act on your nerves. TENS therapy it's not painful, although you may feel a fizzing sensation beneath your skin. TENS therapy can disrupt pain signals to your brain, offering relief from chronic pain.

3. Nerve Glides

People who engage in regular physical activity may develop repetitive stress injuries. Tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome can develop from repetitive hand and arm movements. Repetitive stress injuries can even affect the knees and feet. Nerve glides are a set of simple exercises that can be used to glide the nerves in your body through the tunnels that contain them. This can relieve areas of adhesion due to inflammation, which can encourage proper healing.

4. Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping, also known as KT taping, can be used to support injured joints. KT tape can offer relief from pain. It can also encourage proper alignment of your joints and mussels. A physical therapist can apply KT tape to your body. You can continue wearing this tape between sessions until it falls off naturally. You can even apply KT tape at home, according to your physical therapist's directions.

5. Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are another important component of sports physical therapy. Once you have managed your pain, you must work on strengthening your muscles and joints so you can continue playing sports without further injury. Your physical therapist will give you a workout regimen that you can use to safely improve your strength. 

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