Train effectively

Sports Therapy

Sports therapy is a comprehensive approach to neurorehabilitation that utilises a range of physical activities to help patients recover from traumatic or neurological injuries, such as stroke, or chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.

Sports therapy was developed in the 1960s to help athletes recover from injuries and improve their performance. Since then, it has been adapted to rehabilitate patients with a wide range of injuries and illnesses.

Through activities that test and improve strength, endurance, speed, balance, responsiveness, and coordination, patients experience greater recovery from their injury or illness. The therapy is designed to help patients improve their physical function, build strength and endurance, and increase their overall fitness level. Moreover, the exercise is a prophylaxis against future neurological or traumatic events.

How does Sports Therapy work?

Sports therapy at Kliniken Schmieder provides our patients with various physical activities tailored to meet their individual needs. During our patients’ rehabilitation, it is particularly important to start the training with a large number of exercises as early as possible to promote the regeneration process.
The exercises at sports therapy are often trained playfully with our therapists, like in groups or sports games, to increase the joy of movement and the associated sense of achievement for our patients. The therapy typically involves a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching. All three types of training are important. The basis for the targeted training of our patients is the analysis of their individual performance requirements. It follows the “repetitive, intensive, and task-specific” exercise principle.

We offer a range of training types to meet the individual needs of our patients.
These include:

Everyday group therapy
Pelvic floor training
Stretching groups
Equilibrium groups
Hemiparetic group
Medical training therapy
Multiple Sclerosis group
Wheelchair group
Back workout
Terrain and Nordic walking groups
Body awareness training
Water aerobics

The experienced therapists at Kliniken Schmieder work closely with their patients to develop an individualised therapy plan that includes a range of activities designed to help them meet their rehabilitation goals.

Expected Results

Like most forms of physical therapy, sports therapy’s fundamental goal is to reclaim as much motor function as possible. Several studies support sports therapy’s efficacy in achieving this goal. In stroke patients, for instance, sports therapy can help reduce fatigue, improve balance, gait, and mobility, speed up arm recovery and function, and assist with activities of daily living, such as brushing teeth or using a pencil.

Indeed, depending on the activity, sports therapy improves not only gross motor function but also fine motor control. It enhances a patient’s overall sense of well-being, building self-confidence and reducing stress.

Other studies have shown that sports therapy can effectively treat neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.

There are numerous benefits of sports therapy, including:

Improved physical function:
Sports therapy can help patients improve their physical function and ability to perform daily activities.
Increased strength and endurance:
Sports therapy can help patients build strength and endurance, improving their overall fitness level.
Enhanced sense of well-being:
Sports therapy can help patients reduce stress and improve their mood and overall well-being.
Improved quality of life:
Sports therapy can help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Lower risk of future injuries:
Sports therapy can help patients build strength and flexibility, reducing their risk of injuries.

Sports therapy is a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that uses a range of physical activities to help patients recover from injury or illness. The therapy is designed to help patients improve their physical function, build strength and endurance, and increase their overall fitness level.

FAQ

What is sports therapy at Kliniken Schmieder and how can it support my recovery?

Sports therapy is a specialised form of rehabilitation focused on restoring physical function, mobility and performance after injury or strain. At Kliniken Schmieder, sports therapy helps both active individuals and those returning to movement-based activities regain strength, coordination and confidence.

What kinds of conditions or injuries can sports therapy treat?

Sports therapy can address muscle and tendon injuries, joint and ligament strains, post-surgical movement restrictions, overuse syndromes, sporting accidents, and movement limitations arising from neurological causes. Our experts tailor therapy to your individual needs.

What happens during my first sports therapy session?

In your initial session, the therapist will take a detailed history of your injury or movement issue and assess your range of motion, strength, coordination, and movement patterns. Based on this evaluation, a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan is developed, which may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, gait and posture training, or performance-oriented techniques.

How long will sports therapy take, and how often will I need sessions?

The duration and frequency of therapy depend on the severity of your injury, your physical condition and your recovery goals. If medically indicated and health permitting, our patients initially attend multiple sessions per week, then gradually reduce as they gain strength and independence. Progress is routinely reviewed, and the plan is individually adjusted accordingly.

Do I have to be an athlete to benefit from sports therapy?

No – sports therapy is not just for high-performance athletes. It is highly effective for anyone who experiences movement limitations, pain from activity, or wants to regain mobility and function – even after a neurological illness. Whether your goal is to return to work or to cope with everyday life, we cater to all levels.

Is sports therapy painful?

Some treatments may challenge your muscles and joints and cause temporary muscle soreness, but therapy should not cause sharp or worsening pain. At Kliniken Schmieder, our therapists monitor your response carefully and adapt the sport therapy plan to ensure safe, effective progression.

What types of sports therapy methods are used here?

Our sports therapy programme includes manual therapy, mobility, strength and stability training, functional and performance-oriented exercises, biomechanical analysis (e.g., gait or movement analysis) and balance and coordination training. Each therapy plan is individually crafted based on your condition and goals.