Sports Therapy: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Sports Therapy?
A physical therapist or a physiatrist makes the recovery plan after a sports injury. A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in nonsurgical care of muscle and bone conditions. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Treatment aims at recovery from a sports injury and prevention of future injuries. A therapist's plan aims to rebuild strength and range of motion.
What people use it for
Rehabilitation can help you return to your earlier level of activity.
Physiotherapy treats problems such as the following.
- Sports injuries like a sprain or strain, and back and neck pain.
People of all ages can have physiotherapy. Sports massage is one style of massage therapy. Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body.
How to prepare
To diagnose a sports injury, your doctor will likely do the following.
- Ask about the injury and how it happened.
- Do a physical exam of the injured area.
At your first appointment, the therapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle.
What happens during it
The therapist may also feel the affected area and check things like your strength and balance.
Treatment may include the following.
- Exercises to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles.
- Cold, heat, ultrasound, aquatic, or massage therapy.
Recovery
After each session, you may be given exercises to do at home. It's important you do them regularly to help with your recovery. Most sports injuries respond well to treatment and rehabilitation. But if pain persists, seek help.
See a health care provider for these symptoms of a serious injury.
- Severe pain, swelling, or bruising.
- Being unable to tolerate any weight on the area.
- An obvious deformity.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
What the research shows and safety concerns
Only weak evidence suggests that massage may help low-back pain. The risk of harmful effects from massage therapy appears to be low. Rare reports describe serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture. When you have pain from a particular movement or activity, you should stop right away. Continuing the activity may cause further harm. If pain or other symptoms persist or worsen, you should check with a health care provider.
Who performs it
Physical therapists can help you strengthen muscles and joints and prevent further injury. In states that regulate massage therapy, therapists must get a license or certification.
Common questions
Is massage safe as part of sports therapy?
The risk of harmful effects from massage therapy appears to be low. Rare reports describe serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture.
How many sessions will I need?
Your therapist will advise you about the number of sessions you may need.
Should I use ice or heat right after a sports injury?
Do not use heat right after an injury. This tends to increase inflammation and swelling. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. To avoid cold injury and frostbite, do not apply the ice for more than 20 minutes.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- NIAMS - Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- NHS - Physiotherapy
- NCCIH - Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
