4 types of sports performance training at our Kansas City facility

If you play sports or are active in general, you may have heard the term “sports performance training.” Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior or just trying to move better and feel stronger, sports performance training could be the game-changer you’re looking for. But what does it actually mean and how can it help you perform better, stay healthy and avoid injuries?

What is sports performance training?

Sports performance training is a type of training designed to help improve how you move, play and recover. Unlike regular workouts, this type of training is tailored to the specific movements, skills and physical demands of your sport. 

Think of it as a smarter way to train: a way that builds strength, improves flexibility, enhances endurance and reduces your risk of injury. It’s not just for professional athletes, either. Anyone who wants to move better and perform at a higher level can benefit. 

4 types of sports performance training

Sports performance training can be customized based on your sport, injury history and personal goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, trying to prevent one or just want to improve how you move, there’s a program for you. For example, here are four types of sports performance training and how they can help you:

1. Sports medicine — Sports medicine is focused on keeping active people healthy and helping them recover when injuries happen. This area of training often involves working with a physical therapist, athletic trainer or sports doctor. In sports medicine-based training, you may:

• Learn safer ways to move during your sport

• Work on improving joint and muscle function 

• Build strength in areas that are weak or at risk

• Get treatment for injuries like sprains, tendinitis or overuse

2. ACL prevention and rehabilitation — The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major knee ligament, and ACL injuries are common in sports like basketball, soccer and skiing. Sports performance training can play a big role in reducing ACL injury risk through exercises that improve strength, agility and proper movement mechanics. For those recovering from ACL surgery, rehab programs can help:

• Restore knee strength

• Restore knee stability

• Restore knee function 

3. Cycling rehabilitation — Cycling can be tough on the body, and injuries can happen due to overuse, improper bike fit or muscle imbalances. That’s where cycling rehab comes in. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to ride more comfortably, this type of sports performance training is designed specifically for cyclists of all levels. Cycling rehab can also include bike fitting. A professional bike fit is a key part of cycling rehab. It ensures your seat height, handlebar position and pedal alignment are tailored to your body. A proper fit helps reduce strain on your joints, improves power output and helps prevent overuse injuries. 

4. Vestibular rehabilitation and concussion recovery — If you’ve had a concussion or struggle with balance, dizziness or coordination, vestibular rehab can help reset and retrain your brain and body. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and coordination. Concussions can disrupt this system. Vestibular rehab helps athletes return safely to the field while improving reaction time, focus and overall stability. Vestibular rehab and concussion training may include:

• Eye-tracking and balance exercises

• Body awareness drills

• Breathing techniques for calming the nervous system

• Gradual return-to-play programs

Benefits of sports performance training

Whether you’re aiming to prevent injuries, recover from one or simply improve your game, sports performance training offers a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Injury prevention — By strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and teaching proper movement techniques, athletes can significantly reduce their risk of injuries. 

• Rehabilitation — For athletes recovering from injuries, targeted training programs can help them regain strength, mobility and function, allowing them to return to their sport safely and effectively. 

• Performance enhancement — Sports performance training can improve speed, power, agility, endurance and other key athletic attributes, leading to better performance in competition or personal goals. 

• Potential problems — Through careful assessment and analysis, trainers and physical therapists can identify muscle imbalances, movement limitations or other issues that could lead to injuries down the road. Addressing these problems early can prevent more serious issues later on. 

• Mental health benefits — Exercise, in general, is great for mental health, reducing stress, improving mood and boosting confidence. Sports performance training can provide an added sense of accomplishment and help athletes develop mental toughness. 

• Long-term health — The principles of sports performance training can benefit people of all ages and activity levels, promoting healthy habits that can last a lifetime. It’s not just about improving athletic ability; it’s about building a foundation for long-term health and well-being. 

Sports performance training is a valuable investment for anyone looking to improve their athletic ability, prevent injuries or recover from them. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, consider incorporating sports performance training into your routine. 

If you’re looking for an excellent sports performance training near you, come to KC Rehab

At KC Rehab, we know that great performance starts with smart training. Our team of physical therapists are sports rehab experts and specialists in helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential and stay injury-free while doing it.

Whether you’re recovering from a sprain, prepping for your next season or just want to move with more confidence, we’re here to support you. From ACL rehab to concussion care to sport-specific training, we’ll create a plan tailored just for you. 

If you’re looking for sports performance training near you, KC Rehab offers trusted, expert care right here in your community. Let’s build a better, stronger you, one session at a time. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.