A recent international survey of sports physical therapists, provides insight into how injury prevention programs are designed and implemented. Physical Therapists play a critical role in preventing sports injuries, yet there is no universal approach to creating effective Injury prevention programs.
Key Findings:
- Best Practices Followed: Most Physical therapist consult scientific literature and collaborate with performance teams, including coaches and physicians, to create multifaceted injury prevention programs addressing modifiable risk factors to the athlete.
- Custom Approaches Vary: Around 52% of physical therapists tailor injury prevention programs to individual athletes, while others create subgroup-specific or generic programs such as plyometric programs or hamstring strengthening etc.
- Prevention Methods: Injury prevention programs created by physical therapists commonly focus on components like load management, recovery, warm-ups, and sleep. However, not all components are consistently implemented.
Challenges: The biggest barriers to effective injury prevention program implementation is a lack of time in athletes’ schedules, along with limited support from athletes and coaches.
Takeaway for Physiotherapists: Despite variability in methods, Physical therapists are actively using evidence-based strategies to prevent injuries. A balanced approach, combining generic and individualised exercises, could be the key to fitting injury prevention programs into athletes’ schedules and maximising effectiveness.
At The Physio Crew our Physical Therapists use the latest research to address patient strengths, weaknesses and barriers to create effective injury prevention program that they can easily implement. To create your injury prevention program, book an appointment with one of our physical therapists on 9116 8691.
