Performance Enhancement for Athletes

Let’s talk about performance enhancement. No no, not the type in the media headlines at the moment! I mean the less controversial approach – looking at maximising the way your body performs and recovers to ensure you perform at your peak.

In any competitive sport, whether it’s elite professional level or weekend warrior level, you want to know that your body is giving you the cutting edge over your competitor. You need your body to perform at it’s maximum output level but with the least amount of energy and effort expenditure. You also need it to have maximum strength, flexibility, control, coordination and agility. You also need it to recover as quickly as possible between sets, minimise injuries and soreness and be ready to go again for the next round. That’s quite a list of demands – and that’s before you’ve even picked up the bat, ball, bike, goggles, club or whatever is your weapon of choice.

As a Soft Tissue OT, I have worked for many years with a range of different types of elite athletes, dancers and performers to enhance their sporting performance. This involves working closely with them to get the most out of their body to meet the demands of their chosen sport and includes professional, elite and amateur athletes.

One of the most important elements of sports performance is addressing any issues with spinal and joint alignment. Any significant deviations from neutral need to be addressed and managed to make sure your body can perform at it’s best. If not, those deviations can act like a kink in a hose, short circuting the flow of your nerves and muscles everytime you play. You’ll have to work harder and use more energy everytime you play, putting more pressure on your body.

Helping athletes and sportspeople perform at their peak also looks at other factors including:

• maximising speed, flexibility and power
• correcting alignment and biomechanics
• maximising muscle function
• preventing any unwanted injuries 
• optimising recovery 
• boosting energy levels

So if you are serious about your sport, or know someone who is, feel free to get in touch with me to discuss how you can get the most out of your body.

You can also book directly online for an appointment by heading to the online bookings link.