Sports Medicine & Recovery — 2026-06-12
A leading sports medicine researcher receives major recognition for transforming injury recovery science, while new market data shows the rehabilitation services sector is booming. Physical therapy emerges as a cornerstone of post-surgery athlete recovery, with evidence-based protocols proving superior to traditional rest-only approaches.
Sports Medicine & Recovery — 2026-06-12
Key Highlights
Dr. Thomas Best Earns ACSM's Highest Honor
Dr. Thomas Best, M.D., Ph.D., has received the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Honor Award—the organization's highest honor—for his pioneering work transforming sports injury recovery research and mentoring the next generation of sports medicine clinicians.
Sports Rehabilitation Market Accelerates Growth
The sports rehabilitation services market is expanding rapidly, growing at a 7.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) as major players including Select Medical, U.S. Physical Therapy, ATI Physical Therapy, Athletico, Hinge Health, and Concentra expand their offerings. Geopolitical shifts are reshaping healthcare spending priorities and labor mobility in the sector.
Physical Therapy Crucial for Post-Surgery Athletes
Recent evidence demonstrates that physical therapy plays a vital role in post-surgery recovery for athletes, supporting safe and effective rehabilitation that enables return to sport. Expert physical therapy accelerates functional restoration of strength and mobility following surgical interventions.
Analysis
The recognition of Dr. Best reflects a broader paradigm shift in sports medicine: injury recovery is no longer about passive rest, but active, scientifically-guided rehabilitation. Modern protocols emphasize early mobilization, targeted strengthening, and psychological support—approaches that have proven far more effective than the "immobilization" model of decades past.
The 7.9% CAGR in the rehabilitation services market signals both growing demand and increased acceptance of evidence-based recovery methods among athletes at all levels. As sports become more competitive and professionally lucrative, investment in proper recovery infrastructure has become a business imperative, not an afterthought.
Post-surgery recovery particularly benefits from structured physical therapy because it prevents secondary complications (muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, proprioceptive deficits) while maintaining athlete confidence and psychological readiness for return to competition.
Practical Tip
If recovering from sports surgery, insist on supervised physical therapy beginning within 48 hours post-operation (unless contraindicated by your surgeon). Research shows early, guided movement prevents long-term complications and accelerates return-to-sport timelines by weeks or months compared to delayed rehabilitation. Work with a licensed physical therapist experienced in athletic populations—they understand sport-specific demands and can tailor protocols to your competition timeline.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
