What is Sports Psychology and How Does It Help Athletes?

Participating in sports is physically and emotionally taxing on a person. To get through challenges both on and off the field or court, many professional athletes seek help from a sports psychologist.

The goal of sports psychology is to improve the mental game of athletes so they can compete in a healthy state of mind. Some athletes seek sports psychology for help with thinking clearly on the field, while others seek it as a response to nerves or anxiety.

You don’t have to be a professional to benefit from sports psychology. Athletes of all levels can turn to sports psychology to improve their game and assist with emotional or physical conditions related to their activities. The techniques you learn from sports psychology can help you on and off the field so that you may experience an improved quality of life in the workplace and at home, as well.

How might sports psychology help you?

Sports psychologists work with the mental health of an athlete, but their expertise comprises of other areas of life, as well. Your sports psychologist may be able to help with:

• Techniques for self-visualization and relaxation
• Handling pressure and other mental challenges related to competition
• Recovery from injury (Sports psychologists can work alongside physical therapy treatment plans to assist in the recovery from an injury and preparing the mind and body to get back into the game.)
• Exercises and motivation

If your participation in sports is becoming physically stressful, or if you want to remain proactive in maintaining your best form, you should visit a physical therapist as well as a sports psychologist for assistance.

How does physical therapy help athletes?

Athletes frequently turn to physical therapy for help with recovering from an injury. While this is a good decision, athletes should also consider using physical therapy for help with maintaining a healthy condition.

Physical therapy can also help athletes stay on the field longer, reduce their risk of injury and identify physical issues that can be improved upon with a personal training plan.

At Armor Physical Therapy, our physical therapists specialize in providing a variety of sports performance treatments. Our team works out of five state-of-the-art clinics across Southern Michigan to serve athletes and other patients with their physical rehabilitation and training.

Would you like to speak with a physical therapist to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for athletes? Contact Armor Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment.