There are many similarities as well as differences between athletic training and physical therapy. The function of both is to restore movement and optimal function of your body. While they both promote the benefits of physical fitness, they differ in the environments in which they work and that physical therapists are medical professionals.

The field of athletic training focuses primarily on sports teams and athletes ranging from high school level, through professional sports teams. Services are available on the playing field and in the training room. Physical therapy is provided to a wider range of people, ranging from athletes to senior citizens.

In athletic training, care can be for conditions resulting from acute injuries. Trainers provide initial diagnosis resulting in treatment or referral to a physician or emergency room.

Physical therapy is provided to address pain and prevent future/further injury or after an injury has been diagnosed. Physical therapists provide rehabilitation services to an injury that is pre or post surgical. A physical therapist is essential to a timely and complete recovery from most orthopedic surgical surgeries. They work closely with a physician in determining the best treatment methods.

In athletic training, the responsibility lies in treating sports-related injuries that are minor in nature. Injuries such as joint sprains, muscle strains and spasms that cause pain and limit mobility are treated by an athletic trainer. They work with a team physician in designing and implementing a rehabilitation program. In physical therapy, rehabilitation services provide treatment for restoring function and reducing pain. Treatments include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, hot and cold compressions and ultrasound. Physical therapy can be used to treat a wider range of ailments, other than just those that are sport related.

Physical therapists have obtained a medical degree and will work closely with your physician and you to ensure that we have developed a treatment plan to best address your personal physical needs. Additional duties of a physical therapist include understanding the emotions surrounding patient-care. In some cases, therapists treat individuals who have gone through devastating injuries. Improvements in body functioning as well as spirit may be needed.

At Pinnacle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine our highly educated and trained therapists are responsible for the care and treatment of individuals that have suffered from a wide range of injuries. Their roles are crucial for restoring physical functioning and returning clients to a healthy lifestyle. Call us today to allow us to help you on your path to recovery. Post Falls (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene (208) 665-2000 and visit us online at pinnaclephysicaltherapy.org or Facebook at pinnaclePT.