Adolescents Require Further Training for their Sports

(prHWY.com) August 4, 2012 - Sunnyvale, CA -- Along with the increase in numbers, the intensity and frequency of games and practices is increasing with concurrent rise in injury rates. Fortunately based on recent victories for "direct access", many sports oriented physical therapists are taking action to create programs which address the needs of this population. Direct access laws essentially provide you the ability to seek treatment from a licensed physical therapist without requiring a referral or prescription from a medical doctor.

In accordance with laws in most states which support direct access for physical therapists, some insurance carriers do support and pay for preventive care. Unfortunately most insurance companies do not pay for preventive treatment or physical therapy focused on optim izing sports performance. As such, if you are in need of assistance odds are you will most likely be paying for these services on a private basis and it is critical that you find the best fit for you to achieve your goals. Contact your insurance carrier directly to learn more about your coverage for these services.

During a recent sample testing of junior high and high school athletes currently participating in at least one sport, Lee H. Kole, PT, President and CEO of BreakThrough Physical Therapy, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA found that the lower extremity flexibility (hamstrings, gluteals, calves, quadriceps, hip flexors and adductors) was "restricted by approximately 50% vs. ideal ranges in this population. Although these athletes demonstrated sufficient flexibility, balance and strength to continue with their programs, it was clear that core, upper body and lower extremity strength were subpar for this population." For a long time, it has been the norm that coach (es) lead a quick warm-up routine for their players prior to beginning practice or a game. Unfortunately with the time constraints, amount of schoolwork and other extra-curricular activities proper attention is not being given to the adolescent's body to enable them to not only reduce the risk of injury, but to truly perform on a high level. "We have to do more to help these kids learn the proper tools and habits for their future," said Kole.

Sports Physical Therapy is a growing specialty among outpatient orthopedic physical therapists. This group of physical therapists has specific interests in sports and sports performance. They pursue continuing education coursework and remain current on literature to improve their skill set. Physical Therapists who have a passion for sports and work with athletes on a regular basis are best equipped to help you or someone you know to get to the next level. An experienced therapist is capable of understanding the movement patterns required for optimal performance in most any sport.

If injury prevention and higher levels of sports performance are what you desire, contact your local physical therapist to learn more about their approach and programs offered to help you with your goals.

Lee H. Kole, PT has been in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice since 1998. After completing the bachelor's program at the University of Oregon with a degree in exercise and movement science and a minor in biology, Lee obtained his physical therapy degree from Fontys Hoge School Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He has dedicated his life to helping his friends, family and colleagues as well as the local and global communities to live healthier, happier lives. He opened BreakThrough Physical Therapy in Sunnyvale, CA, in July of 2004. BreakThrough Physical Therapy, Inc. provides the highest level of care, quality reporting, convenient scheduling, and efficient billing systems to ensure that their patients and referring physicians enjoy an experience that is consistent from the beginning. They are continually improving their systems and adding professional and support staff that uphold these same values.

For more information about BreakThrough Physical Therapy, visit: http://www.breakthroughpt.com or call (408) 736-7600.

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