In the school settings, physiotherapy plays a crucial role, surpassing the conventional misconception of its function as mere first aid. Traditionally viewed as an immediate remedy for injuries, modern physiotherapy in schools serves a strategic purpose, identifying and treating specific needs based on athletes’ past histories and aiming to significantly enhance performance.
The evolution of sports activities within schools reveals a shift towards more controlled environments, a departure from the varied surfaces and diverse physical challenges of past decades. Today, young athletes often specialize early in a single sport, increasing repetitive strain on specific muscle groups. This specialization, coupled with extended periods of inactivity due to increased screen time, predisposes students to a range of injuries and suboptimal athletic performance.
Physiotherapy addresses these modern challenges through a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the treatment of acute injuries. Schools that integrate physiotherapy into their sports programs benefit from tailored training regimens that are crafted with a deep understanding of the physical demands specific to each sport. This specificity not only helps in enhancing the technical skills of young athletes but also plays a crucial role in injury prevention and optimal physical development.
Common problems faced by schools related to physiotherapy and addressing those
• Injured athletes often do not receive professionally supervised rehabilitation, resulting in poor performance and adverse effects on health.
• Children participating in sports can suffer from overuse injuries and injuries due to repetitive motions, especially without proper training and rest periods.
• A lack of consistency in having a dedicated physiotherapist may result in less commitment and loyalty to the school and personal treatments for the injured.
• Increased use of desktop work, computers and mobile devices has led to widespread posture related issues in children, such as neck strain and lower back pain.
• Increased absenteeism among students, teachers and athletes at their respective events has been another leading cause of absence, following viral flu illnesses.
Why schools need to have Physiotherapy Help?
Sports related assistance
• Physiotherapists can teach students proper movement techniques and body mechanics to help prevent sports related and everyday injuries.
• Physiotherapists can work closely with student athletes to improve their strength, flexibility and overall athletic capabilities, optimizing their performance in various sports.
• Tailored training programs can be developed for different sports, addressing the specific demands of each and helping to improve technique and reduce the risk of sport specific injuries.
• Pre and post treatment of sports injuries helps ensure faster recovery times and minimizes the impact of injuries on future participation and performance.
• Onsite physiotherapists can provide immediate attention to injuries during matches, which is crucial for reducing the severity of the injury and starting the rehabilitation process promptly.
• An onsite physiotherapist can keep detailed health records for each athlete, tracking progress and recovery, which is essential for managing ongoing treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
General assistance for schools on Physiotherapy
• Regular physical activity, guided by physiotherapists, can help improve student’s concentration and cognitive function, leading to better academic performance.
• Physiotherapists can provide guidance on ergonomic practices to help students and teachers manage the physical demands of studying and teaching, such as seated and standing for long periods.
• Targeted therapies can help alleviate chronic pains that may arise from less physical activity or age related conditions, enhancing comfort and mobility.
How Physio Medicare could assist
• Physio Medicare’s team consists of licensed, qualified and experienced physiotherapists providing a level of care that surpasses industry norms.
• Our services are delivered directly at your school, ensuring minimal disruption to player schedules and in addition making it accessible for other children and teachers/staff of schools.
• Recognized as one of the best physiotherapy providers in Sri Lanka with a reputation for delivering outstanding care.
• Physio Medicare will maintain athletes’ injury history that can assist in effective and tailored treatment both onsite and post treatment.
• Can access the therapist even after the matches and schools consultation at a professional physiotherapy clinic, (Sri Lanka’s largest Physiotherapy clinic)
• As a professional outfit both locally and regionally, Physio Medicare is constantly updated with the latest treatments. The expectation to handle a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to developmental disorders, requires broad expertise.
As schools need to continue to recognize the critical role of physiotherapy in supporting and enhancing student athletes’ performance, it is essential to move beyond outdated perceptions of physiotherapy as just first aid. By embracing its strategic benefits, schools can substitute environments where student athletes thrive, supported by expert care tailored to their specific developmental and competitive needs.