“Faster, higher and stronger – together” is the motto that embodies the spirit of the Olympic Games, founded in 1896 and held this year in Paris, France. In this celebration of sport and global cooperation, it is essential that all Olympic athletes maintain their best form and physical condition. In this sense, physical therapy is essential for the success of this pinnacle event for the sporting community.
Think of it this way: behind every Olympic champion there is a dedicated team of physical therapy professionals. Each of them plays a crucial role in the performance, recovery and well-being of Olympic athletes. That is why, as part of the celebration of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, today we will remember a little more the invaluable role of their work.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a branch of medicine that is dedicated to ensuring and maintaining the comprehensive mobility of the human body. Physiotherapists are specialists in providing different types of treatment to both injured people and those who suffer from chronic diseases and degenerative conditions that hinder their full movement.
In addition to treating injured patients, physical therapists also develop techniques to prevent and maintain people’s physical fitness and, in the long run, improve their quality of life.
What does an Olympic physiotherapist do?
Sports physiotherapy is probably one of the most attractive branches of this discipline; not to mention if it allows you to experience the thrill of the Olympic Games. During this particular event, Olympic athletes face exhausting routines that represent a very high energy expenditure and leave the muscles congested and inflamed.
We can say that, in general, the main objectives of physical therapy are:
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Reduce recovery times from an injury.
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Adapt the body to training.
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Reduce risk factors that may cause injury.
This is where physical therapists come into action to address current injuries and prevent future ones. According to, Janet Sernain charge of the Physiotherapy area at the National Center for Sports Talents and High Performance of CONADE (CNAR), some of the most common injuries in Olympic athletes are: sprains, muscle overload, ligament injuries, contractures, tendonitis and twists.
To treat these common injuries, physiotherapists perform various physical therapy treatments, such as:
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Hydrotherapy
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Thermotherapy
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Electrotherapy
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Massage therapy
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Mechanotherapy
Injury prevention
Physical therapy not only includes the treatments necessary to alleviate an injury, but also to prevent it. When it comes to Olympic athletes, who are prone to muscle wasting, prevention is vital to maintaining their integrity and well-being, as well as a long sports career.
For it to be effective, the physiotherapist must evaluate the athlete and identify possible risk factors both in the patient and in his or her environment. This way, both can work on a warm-up and training plan that reduces the likelihood of injury.
Maintain performance
Thanks to the joint work of physiotherapists and athletes, the latter can maintain and even increase their performance. In the long term, this can lengthen the career of athletes and improve their quality of life.
Post-competition recovery
It may seem obvious, but competing in the Olympic Games is no small feat. Whatever the result of the athletes, it is a priority for them and their entire team to promote comprehensive rehabilitation and physical recovery.
Success at the Olympic Games thanks to physical therapy
As we have already mentioned, each successful athlete is a testament to amazing talent and discipline, but also to the work of the team of physiotherapists who collaborate with him. This spirit of cooperation between the teams themselves, but also on a global level, is the result of a humanistic sense in sport, which we cannot help but associate with our vision at Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro.
Thus, it should come as no surprise that the Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Anáhuac Querétaro is fundamental to the prestige of our university. This degree, accredited by the Interinstitutional Commission for the Training of Human Resources for Health (CIFHRS), is ideal for those seeking to dedicate themselves to any type of physical therapy, from sports to neurological.
In addition, the experience offered by our institution, focused on preparing you professionally, will allow you to interact with patients and understand their treatment from the first semesters. You will also have the opportunity to participate in international experiences thanks to our agreements with universities around the world, in countries such as Germany, Australia, the United States, Italy, among many others.
In Anáhuac Querétaro, we go faster, higher and stronger
There is no doubt about the important role of physiotherapy in the sports industry in general and in the Olympic Games in particular. At Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro we know that so many students dream of being in spaces like this and, therefore, we want to make sure that you get there one day.
We invite you to continue learning about our academic offering in health sciences and prepare yourself for a bright future. Contact us and don’t hesitate: Between now and the Olympics, Anáhuac Querétaro is the next step!
