Ever Wonder What Sets a Sports Physical Therapist Apart?
Are you curious about the difference between a regular physical therapist and a sports physical therapist? Wondering how you can become the go-to expert that athletes trust with their health and performance every day? Let’s dive into what it takes.
Becoming a Sports Physical Therapist: My Personal Journey
Physical therapists are crucial in helping individuals recover from injuries and surgeries, working with diverse patient groups. However, as a sports physical therapist, my specialization is in aiding athletes to not only recover but excel in their sports.
My journey began similarly to many in the field—I attended undergraduate school for four years, majoring in pre-physical therapy and psychology. As a college baseball player, my passion for sports was undeniable. Even after my playing days ended, my desire to help athletes never waned. I transitioned from playing to coaching, spending seven months as a youth strength and conditioning coach. But my ambition to go deeper into athlete care led me to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Azusa Pacific University.
Despite initially aiming for a broad sports career, my love for baseball drew me back. Players consistently sought my help for throwing injuries, guiding my decision to specialize further. I completed an orthopedic residency and a spine fellowship, followed by a sports fellowship focusing on manual physical therapy at Kaiser Permanente.
Steps to Becoming a Sports Physical Therapist
If you’re looking to follow a path similar to mine and specialize in sports physical therapy, here are some steps to consider:
- Undergraduate Focus: Major in pre-physical therapy, exercise science, or a related field. Ensure you complete prerequisites for PT school, with a strong emphasis on anatomy, kinesiology, and psychology.
- Choosing the Right PT School: Opt for a school that offers a robust sports or orthopedic curriculum. Engage with athletic teams during your studies to gain practical experience with athletes.
- Specialize Through Residency: After earning your DPT, entering a residency in orthopedics or sports can profoundly deepen your knowledge and skills, setting you apart from your peers.
- Advance with a Fellowship: I personally benefitted from a manual therapy fellowship, which equipped me with advanced, hands-on skills to treat athletes effectively.
Today, I have the privilege of working with athletes ranging from high school pitchers recovering from UCL injuries to young baseball players aiming to improve their performance safely. It’s the fulfillment of seeing their success that fuels my passion daily.
Ready to Jumpstart Your Career in Sports Physical Therapy?
If making a significant impact in the lives of athletes inspires you, becoming a sports physical therapist could be your calling. I’m Dr. Kam DPT, ready to support your journey towards this rewarding career.
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