Athletic Training vs Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

You may be feeling discomfort or pain that you can’t seem to get rid of. You’ve physical activity or medications, but none seem to work. In this case, you need one or both of these fields: athletic training and physical therapy.

Athletic trainers and physical therapists are both experts in their professions. But there are many differences between athletic training and physical therapy.

Do you need help from an athletic trainer or physical therapist? Or looking to see which career you should go for? Well, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we will compare athletic training vs physical therapy. Let’s get started.

What is Athletic Training?

Athletic training helps athletes and active individuals prevent and treat injuries and illnesses.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in the field of sports medicine. They work with recreational and professional athletes of all ages. Athletic trainers use techniques, including exercise prescription, rehabilitation, and therapeutic modalities.

Athletic trainers also play a role in performance enhancement. They work with athletes to optimize their physical condition. They also help with improving athletic performance.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy provides services to individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. The main goal is to help the individual achieve most function and independence.

Physical therapy treats varieties of conditions, including injuries, chronic pain, and movement disorders. Techniques used in physical therapy include exercise, massage, or hands-on manual physical therapy.

How Do They Differ?

There are many similarities between athletic training and physical therapy. Both work with patients to help them improve their physical function and quality of life. But, there are also several key differences between the two professions.

Athletic trainers work with healthy individuals to prevent injuries or improve their performance. Physical therapists help patients recover from injury or illness to improve physical function.

Athletic trainers work with athletes and have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. Physical therapists who work with patients of all ages and backgrounds have doctorates in physical therapy.

Is There Difference in Cost?

Athletic Trainers are usually less expensive than Physical Therapists.

The cost of Athletic Training depends on the level of training and experience of the trainer. Physical Therapy can be very expensive and depends on the severity of the problem and the amount of time needed for the treatment.

Athletic Training vs Physical Therapy – Which one is better for you?

Reading this athletic training vs physical therapy article should help you understand and know which one is better for you.

As a patient, it will depend on your physical health situation. You may either need one of them or both of their services.

As a career choice, it depends on your interests and skills. Interested in injury prevention and working with athletes? Being an athletic trainer may be a good fit. Interested in helping people recover from injuries and a variety of medical conditions? Then a career in physical therapy may be right for you.

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