As high school athletes progress from recreational play to competitive and increasingly professional sports environments, body strain and mental stress significantly increase. At PRO~PT, we value the positive impact of physical therapy for student-athletes. Here is a list of physical health and mental health resources for high school athletes and parents.
- Concussions in School Sports – What parents should know about concussions in high school sports
- Preventing Injuries in Youth Sports – A guide on how to prevent injuries in high school sports
- Sports Injuries in High School – A list of common high school athletic injuries
- Post-Sport Transition Resources – A list of resources and information for student-athletes as they transition out of high school sports and move on to other levels
- Tips for High School Athletes’ Mental Health – Tips on how high school athletes can manage stress and avoid burnout
- FiveStar Comeback – A new mental health website, started by a 16-year-old student-athlete, focused on resources and inspirational stories for high school athletes
- Mental Health of Student Athletes – Overview and list of research and articles surrounding high school sports and students’ mental health
How Physical Therapy Plays a Role in Central Valley High School Sports
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage the physical toll of high school sports.
Most people understand that a physical therapist is responsible for examining individuals and developing a treatment program to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. However, another lesser-known role is their responsibility to educate and support our community, including high school student-athletes.
At PRO~PT, we actively reach out to the student-athletes at our community high schools in many ways to give them the best opportunity to succeed through our Athletic Training physical therapy program and partnership with several schools, including:
- Central Valley Christian High School
- Dinuba High School
- Exeter High School
- Kingsburg High School
- Lemoore High School
- Mission Oak High School
- Tulare Union High School
- Tulare Western High School
Access to Rehabilitation Following Injury
In the event of a sports-related injury, PRO~PT provides standard access to rehabilitative care—we see and treat a wide array of sports-related injuries of the ankle, knee, and shoulder along with concussions. If you have any questions or would like to seek a physical therapist for care, there are multiple ways to do so.
- School Athletic Trainer (ATC) – We have an established relationship with community athletic training staff at partner schools and support the work they provide on and off the field. ATCs are able to provide information about physical therapy and get you in contact with us at PRO~PT.
- Contact PRO~PT directly – Our offices across the Central Valley welcome calls from individuals seeking care or information from a licensed physical therapist. Call your nearest clinic today, and our friendly staff members can direct you on your needs and pair you with a PT who can guide you through the benefits of physical therapy.
Consult with a primary physician – A referral to PRO~PT from your medical provider for physical therapy can begin the process of obtaining care from our qualified therapists for injury rehabilitation and prevention of future injuries. Receiving a referral may also allow you to run physical therapy sessions through your health insurance if sessions without a referral aren’t covered under your plan.
Injury Prevention Programs
Injuries are an unfortunate part of participating in sports. An estimated four injuries are reported out of 1,000 high school football practices, but that rate is likely much higher if you add unreported injuries. To reduce risk of injury, enroll in sport-specific prevention programs to reduce the risk of injury—PRO~PT has a few to offer:
Physical Therapy for High School Students
Physical therapy is a wonderful career that can directly make a difference in someone’s life. Physical therapists can work in hospitals, schools, and skilled-nursing facilities, or provide in-home therapy and work in an outpatient clinic, like PRO~PT.
If you’re interested in getting more information about our field and would like an opportunity to learn face-to-face, we welcome questions and the opportunity for high school students to shadow Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants in our outpatient clinics. You may also check out our guide to becoming a physical therapist in California, which covers Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, requirements for clinical experience, and more.
PRO~PT strives to provide second-to-none services to our high school sports athletes, coaches and staff, and the community. We believe it is our responsibility to provide rehabilitative services when needed, provide the tools for improved sports performance for reducing injuries, and educate prospective students about sports medicine and physical therapy.
