Alternative therapies can have a role in helping sportspeople stay on their game by helping them avoid injury and illness and in helping them recover from a sports injury. Alternative therapies can also help psychologically by assisting the sportsperson to deal with stress which may affect their performance.
The aims of medicine and treatment in the sporting world
In sports medicine and the treatment of athletes health, there are two primary aims. The first of these is to promote total recovery from injury and illness so that the athlete may return to his or her training and get back to competing. Secondly, a very important focus of all sports therapies must be to reduce future susceptibility to illness and injury through maintenance of health and preventative measures.
An athlete’s performance relies on the highest level of healthy physical functioning coupled with huge mental and emotional strength in order to maintain drive and overcome psychological hurdles. Without emotional and mental health, alternative therapists believe it is impossible for the physical body to be at its peak performance level.
Without emotional and mental health, alternative therapists believe it is impossible for the physical body to be at its peak performance level.
Alternative therapies can help both the physical and mental or emotional ailments of the athlete.
Physically, alternative therapies can encourage the body to heal faster and more effectively. Massage and pressure-based therapies can help get oxygen in and toxins (such as lactic acid) out of the muscles to stimulate healing and relieve pain. Other therapies encourage cell regeneration and healing by directing and increasing the flow of energy to the injured area. All alternative therapies stimulate the body’s own self-healing mechanisms, supporting it in returning itself to peak health.
Psychologically, alternative therapies can help the athlete deal with the stress; emotional or mental, that can affect their performance. Moreover, it can help the athlete to find a sense of mental-space in which they can develop their focus and drive. After sports, and especially mentally exerting competitions, therapies can help the athlete relax and unwind.
