Embracing "Phytness": The Key to Optimal Performance and Recovery
In the past two years, Professional Rehab Associates has introduced a new concept to our patients and the New River Valley community: "Phytness."
You might ask yourself, “What is ‘Phytness,’ and what does it have to do with physical therapy?” Well, you've come to the right place. Let’s break down what Phytness is and how physical therapy is crucial in achieving it.
What is Phytness?
Phytness
/ˈfitnəs/
noun: The ability to return to sports and perform daily activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength after physical therapy.
Phytness focuses on what happens after completing physical therapy. It’s a term often used for athletes and those engaged in competitive sports. After an injury, returning to the field or court can be challenging. Recovery can be a long journey, and many athletes find it difficult to get back to their pre-injury performance levels.
This is why Phytness is so important. It goes beyond just recovering from an injury; it’s about returning athletes to their peak performance levels.
The Role of Sports Physical Therapy
To fully understand the Phytness model, it's essential to grasp the purpose and benefits of sports physical therapy.
Sports physical therapy is crucial when an athlete experiences any kind of injury, from an ankle sprain to a pulled rotator cuff. Physical therapy aids in recovery, helping athletes regain strength, flexibility, and functionality.
Additionally, sports physical therapy plays a significant role in injury prevention. Therapists work with athletes to build good habits that prevent injuries caused by lack of stretching, muscle overuse, or poor techniques.
Benefits of Sports Physical Therapy
Whether you're a VHSL athlete, collegiate competitor, or an adult engaged in competitive sports, sports physical therapy offers numerous benefits:
- Injury Prevention: Develop techniques and habits that reduce the risk of future injuries.
- Pain Relief: Manage and alleviate pain resulting from sports activities.
- Injury Treatment: Comprehensive care to treat and recover from sports-related injuries.
- Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility: Enhance your movement capabilities and flexibility.
- Improved Technique: Refine your techniques to prevent injury and improve performance.
- Muscle Balancing: Achieve muscle symmetry and balance, reducing the risk of strain and injury.
- Increased Strength and Performance: Boost your overall strength and athletic performance.
Putting it All Together
Now that we’ve defined Phytness and highlighted the benefits of sports physical therapy, let’s see how it all comes together to help athletes achieve their best.
When an athlete undergoes physical therapy, having a clear end goal is essential. Whether recovering from a sprain or a torn meniscus, the goal is to return to the game, performing at the same level or better than before the injury.
The Phytness model also emphasizes injury prevention, helping athletes develop good habits that keep them at their peak performance. This involves regular assessments and exams to ensure optimal health and performance.
Whether you are an athlete, a coach, an active senior or a parent, understanding the principles of phytness will help any individual experience wellness and relief after an injury.
The PRA Difference
At Professional Rehab Associates, we are proud of our Phytness model, which embodies our mission of wellness, prevention, and rehabilitation. Phytness combines these three elements to benefit athletes, their coaches, and their families.
As the physical therapy providers for Radford University Athletics, Drs. Nolan, PT, DPT, OCS and Brittany Stewart, PT, DPT have successfully implemented the Phytness model, helping collegiate athletes achieve top performance every season. Dr. Maryah, PT, DPT, Cert. DN is also a prior collegiate athlete who understands how the athletic body works. She has built a practice that focuses on strength and mobility.
If you or someone you know is an athlete in the New River Valley seeking a physical therapy team that can help you move, play, and excel, look no further than Professional Rehab Associates in Radford, Virginia. Our team is dedicated to helping you reach and maintain your highest potential in your fitness and wellness journey.
