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For detailed discussion listen to KIMEcast Episode 28

Introduction
Physical therapists play a critical role in sports medicine, helping athletes recover from injuries and return to play as safely and quickly as possible. Research increasingly highlights the importance of immediate rehabilitation, comprehensive injury prevention, and specific care protocols based on the athlete’s playing level. At KIME Performance, we believe in a proactive, evidence-based approach to physical therapy that supports athletes’ swift and safe return to their passions. By integrating early access to care, individualized injury management plans, and a robust support network, we strive to optimize outcomes for each athlete. Here’s how we align KIME’s principles with effective sports medicine strategies:

1. Principle of Quick Access in Injury Care

For athletes, the speed of accessing acute care significantly impacts recovery quality. Studies show that professional athletes, especially in high-level football leagues, benefit from prompt diagnosis and treatment protocols.1 This contrasts with amateur players, who often lack immediate medical resources, resulting in higher recurrence rate
s. For instance, top-level European footballers have a recurrence rate of just 16.6%, compared to 35.1% among amateur players. At KIME, our mission includes ensuring timely access to physical therapy, especially for non-professional athletes who may not have immediate resources. We believe fast access to acute care can significantly lower re-injury rates—a principle we apply daily to give each athlete, from community players to competitive athletes, the best possible recovery outcomes.

• • Advocate for Early Access: Ensuring that even non-professional athletes access timely medical evaluation and care can substantially reduce re-injury risk.
  • Utilize Evidence-Based Protocols: Professional-level protocols, such as gradual return-to-play (RTP) strategies, should be tailored for players across all levels.
  • KIME’s Approach: We advocate for early access to treatment across all skill levels. By offering personalized and prompt care, we minimize recurrence risks and create pathways for safe, efficient recovery.

2. Delayed Rehabilitation and Its Impact on Recovery

A study within the U.S. Military Health System found that delayed rehabilitation increases injury recurrence and medical costs, particularly in ankle sprains.2 Beginning rehabilitation soon after an injury is critical, as even a short delay can nearly double the risk of recurrence. Graphs pulled from the article show a drastic increase of injury recurrence rate, total visits utilized, and total cost the more delayed rehab begins. The presence of comorbidities, such as chronic pain, can further affect recovery outcomes. KIME’s commitment to early intervention is built into our culture of clinical excellence. Delayed rehab can not only extend recovery time but also increase the risk of further injuries.

• Strategies for PTs:
  • Emphasize Immediate Rehabilitation: For injuries like ankle sprains, initiating care within the first month lowers long-term recurrence rates and reduces financial burdens.

• • Integrate Physical Therapists into Primary Care Settings: Embedding PTs in primary care, especially in specialized settings like the military, can streamline rehabilitation access.

• • KIME’s Approach: We initiate rehabilitation swiftly, reducing the chance of recurrence and aligning with our evidence-based methods. This commitment to timely care allows us to support athletes in their journey to long-term health and performance.

3. Proactive Sports Needs Analysis and Prevention
   Prevention remains a cornerstone of sports injury management. Conducting a thorough needs analysis for each athlete’s sport, identifying high-risk areas, and understanding typical loads are essential for tailoring effective injury prevention programs. KIME’s physical therapists recognize the importance of understanding each athlete’s sport and the unique risks involved. By conducting detailed needs analyses, we identify high-risk areas and tailor prevention programs to strengthen and stabilize athletes according to the demands of their sport.

• Prevention Tips for PTs:
  • Sport-Specific Pathology: Regularly assess for sport-specific injury patterns to design targeted conditioning and prevention programs.
  • Stability and Strength Protocols: Focus on building strength and stability, especially in athletes prone to reactive strength deficits, which increase the risk of reinjury.
  • KIME’s Approach: Our therapists develop targeted conditioning programs focusing on areas prone to reactive strength deficits. This ensures that our athletes receive conditioning that’s specific to their needs, minimizing their injury risks and enhancing performance longevity.

4. Strengthening the PT Role in Athlete Advocacy and Referral Networks
   PTs are often on the front line in managing sports injuries, but they should also function as advocates and connectors within a larger healthcare network. Building relationships with doctors and other healthcare providers enables PTs to make timely referrals and obtain necessary support for their athletes. KIME values the role of collaboration in healthcare. We foster relationships with sports physicians and other professionals to establish comprehensive referral networks, building the best possible medical team around our people. This approach ensures our clients have access to a continuum of care tailored to their rehabilitation journey.

• Building a Support Network:
  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Establishing a referral network with sports physicians ensures athletes receive the comprehensive care they need.
  • Educate on Treatment Options: PTs should feel confident discussing and recommending various interventions based on the athlete’s specific case.
  • KIME’s Approach: Through a proactive network, KIME serves as both a provider and advocate. We work closely with healthcare partners, ensuring that athletes receive holistic, coordinated support throughout their recovery.

5. Navigating Professional Challenges in Physical Therapy
   We recognize the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has been instrumental in advancing direct access to PT services and moving the profession toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) standard. However, barriers remain, including issues with insurance coverage and the high cost of PT education relative to salary. In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, KIME addresses the challenges within physical therapy sports medicine, by creating a platform for our team to work in that offers top tier pay and benefits while allowing them to focus on patient care. We support our profession’s growth by championing education and focusing efforts to streamline access, making care more available and financially feasible for everyone.

Addressing Key Issues:

• Educational and Financial Advocacy: The APTA can play a pivotal role by advocating for regulated education costs and fair insurance reimbursement.
• Policy Development: Continued efforts to regulate insurance practices can help PTs focus more on patient care rather than navigating financial barriers.
• KIME’s Approach: By helping our therapists navigate these challenges, we empower them to focus more fully on their patient’s recovery and long-term wellness. We encourage professional organizations to align their objectives with advocating for us in the regulatory and insurance space promoting the value of the physical therapist and updating professional standards.

Conclusion
For physical therapists working in sports medicine, timely rehabilitation and tailored injury prevention programs are crucial for reducing recurrence rates and supporting athletes in achieving long-term health and performance. Through early intervention, sport-specific conditioning, and a robust professional network, PTs can maximize their impact on athlete outcomes. Addressing systemic issues within the profession, including advocacy for direct access and education reform, will further empower PTs to serve as integral members of the sports healthcare team. At KIME Performance, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier care through a combination of early intervention, specialized prevention strategies, and professional collaboration. Our values of Integrity, Performance, and Community drive us to be both the Employer and Provider of Choice, fostering an environment where athletes and therapists alike can thrive. By prioritizing early access, tailored prevention, and strong interprofessional relationships, KIME redefines what sports medicine can achieve for every athlete. 

References:

1. Hägglund M, Waldén M, Ekstrand J. Injury recurrence is lower at the highest professional football level than at national and amateur levels: does sports medicine and sports physiotherapy deliver? Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(12):751-758. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095951
2. Rhon DI, Fraser JJ, Sorensen J, Greenlee TA, Jain T, Cook CE. Delayed Rehabilitation Is Associated With Recurrence and Higher Medical Care Use After Ankle Sprain Injuries in the United States Military Health System. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2021;51(12):619-627. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10730
3. Bayer ML, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M. Early versus Delayed Rehabilitation after Acute Muscle Injury. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(13):1300-1301. doi:10.1056/NEJMc1708134