Athletes are always looking to maintain or improve their physical performance, especially in the competitive scene. Although the most important pillars are continuous training, proper nutrition and mental preparation, the importance of physiotherapy cannot be overlooked, which helps prevent injuries, promotes better physical function, and facilitates the recovery process.

The way that physical therapy helps improve athletic performance is dynamic and diverse. One of the main focuses of physical therapy is injury prevention.

They identify areas of weakness or imbalance in an athlete’s musculoskeletal system and use techniques to assess and improve strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury during training and competitions.

However, if an injury already exists, rehabilitation is crucial for athletes to return to peak performance levels. Physical therapy also plays a critical role in the rehabilitation process by designing personalized programs that focus on restoring mobility, strength, and proprioception. By gradually performing the physical activities they ensure a safe and effective recovery, minimizing the risk of a new injury.

Physiotherapy also contributes to sports performance by implementing specific exercises and training regimens that increase muscular strength, power, agility, balance, and endurance, all of which are essential for athletes.

Physical therapy plays an important role in optimizing sports performance. Through injury prevention strategies, timely rehabilitation, personalized training, and biomechanical analysis, they help athletes increase their potential and performance. Whether you are a professional athlete or a person who likes to play sports, physiotherapy in training programs is essential and can generate significant benefits, promoting better performance and general well-being in people.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions to relieve pain and initiate tissue healing. The therapy consists in applying acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating the healing process, and reducing pain through the formation of blood vessels and collagen, and reversal of inflammation. The treatment has shown efficacy in the management of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, among others.

The indication for treatment varies from patient to patient, as well as the exact number of sessions required. There are factors that influence this such as:

1. The severity of the musculoskeletal condition with which the patient is received, mild or early-stage conditions may require fewer sessions compared to chronic or severe cases.
2. The individual response to therapy, as some people may experience significant pain relief and improved functionality after just a few sessions, while others may require additional treatments for optimal results.
3. Patient-related factors such as age, gender, general health, lifestyle, and adherence to post-treatment recommendations may affect the number of sessions required.
4. In some cases where the patient is receiving another treatment or therapy (such as physiotherapy or medications) it can influence the number of necessary sessions.

Although the treatment protocol used is personalized, usually the total number of sessions can vary from 3 to 6, depending on the condition and response of the patient. It is crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional experienced in this therapy to determine the optimal number of sessions for your specific condition, who through a medical evaluation and medical history will be able to determine the best plan for you.

Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative therapy, has long been a non-surgical treatment alternative for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Previously, surgery was the only considered treatment option for patients with persistent pain. However, surgery carries more risks, costs, and a long recovery period.

involves the injection of an irritant solution, usually consisting of dextrose, into the affected ligaments, tendons, or joints. The solution stimulates an inflammatory response in damaged tissues that leads to an increase in growth factors and cytokines. These substances stimulate cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and blood vessel formation, facilitating the repair and strengthening of injured tissues.

By stimulating tissue repair, prolotherapy aims to reduce pain and improve joint stability and mobility. Improving the quality of life of the patient.

Some indications for prolotherapy are:

• Ligament and tendon injuries
• Joint instability
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic low back pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis

It is also important to mention that prolotherapy only requires local anesthesia and is generally not painful. A significant improvement of up to 85%% is reported in most patients.

Prolotherapy offers a non-invasive treatment option for patients who wish to avoid surgery or who cannot undergo surgery due to a medical condition.

After the procedure a minimum rest time is required.

However, the individual characteristics of the patient must be considered before indicating this therapy and it must always be indicated and performed by a doctor specialized in these treatments.