What type of injury is most commonly assessed in sports physical therapy?

In sports physical therapy, the most commonly assessed type of injury is musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which are prevalent in athletes due to the physical demands of sports activities. Common examples include sprains, strains, fractures, tendinitis, and dislocations.

Musculoskeletal injuries are often the result of acute trauma or repetitive stress, making them a central focus in sports rehabilitation settings. Therapists focus on assessing the extent of the injury, understanding the mechanism of injury, and determining an appropriate treatment plan that may include strengthening exercises, physical modalities, and functional training to facilitate recovery and return to sport.

While cognitive, cardiovascular, and neurological injuries are important considerations in overall health and safety in sports, they occur less frequently in the context of typical sports physical therapy assessments compared to musculoskeletal issues. Therefore, given the prevalence and the nature of activities involved in sports, musculoskeletal injuries stand out as the primary category of concern for assessment and rehabilitation in this specialized field.