What’s a CSCS? What It Is and How It Benefits YOU

By: Dr. Ian Carroll

There are a lot of different certifications Physical Therapists can earn – and a lot of different abbreviations that go with it! We get that it’s hard to know what they mean, and even more important, what they mean to you as a patient. One interesting and useful certification is the CSCS. A CSCS is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. This means that a PT who is also a CSCS has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and has passed the intensive National Strength and Conditioning Association exam. Although you don’t have to be a PT to have this certification, a Physical Therapist’s specialized knowledge of the musculoskeletal system helps with almost any additional certification.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists are knowledgeable and great at training people to maximize their performance in areas like:

  • Muscular strength, power, and endurance
  • Speed
  • Agility
  • Flexibility and mobility
  • Body composition
  • Balance/stability
  • Sport specific activities
  • Injury prevention

Many CSCS pros do work with athletes or sports teams; but their advanced strength and conditioning knowledge can also help people of any fitness or experience level improve their function. By working with a Physical Therapist who also has a CSCS certification, you’ll gain the benefit of the specific knowledge of the musculoskeletal system as well as a provider trained in helping you optimize your performance with specific movements or sports. Even better, if a CSCS-PT notices existing issues, improper movement patterns, or new injury, you’re already in the right place!

Whether you want to become the next basketball superstar, reach a personal best at your next 5k, or be able to actively play with your grandkids, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist can provide individualized training programs to help you achieve your goals!

At Body One, we have providers with lots of different specialized training, and many providers who are CSCS certified. Whether you need physical therapy and/or you want to work on your performance or movement within sport, Body One has options and we’d love to help you reach your goals!

Body One has three convenient locations serving Central Indianapolis: Fishers, North Meridian, and Zionsville. If you’re ready to get going and improve your fitness, how you feel, move, or live – call us today!

 

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