Professionally Reviewed by: Cassidy Aiello, PT, DPT
At Raleigh Orthopaedic’s Athletic Performance Center, we work with a wide range of athletes—from weekend warriors to elite competitors. One question we often hear is: “What’s the difference between Sports Physical Therapy and Performance Training?” It’s a great question because while both are focused on improving athletic performance, they serve different purposes and are led by professionals with different qualifications.
Let’s break it down so you can understand which approach is right for your current goals—or whether a combination of both would serve you best.
What is Sports Physical Therapy?
Sports Physical Therapy (Sports PT) is a specialized area of rehabilitation designed specifically for athletes recovering from injury. Whether you’re coming back from a torn ligament, a muscle strain, or chronic overuse issues, Sports PT helps you heal properly and return to your sport stronger and safer. The focus is on restoring mobility, reducing pain, rebuilding strength, and correcting movement patterns that may have contributed to the injury in the first place.
Qualifications for Sports PTs:
- Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
- Specialized training or board certification in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS)
- Expertise in orthopedic and sports injury assessment, manual therapy, and movement analysis
Sports PTs are medically trained professionals who work closely with athletes recovering from injury and ensure a safe return to sport.
What is Performance Training?
Performance Training, on the other hand, is designed for athletes who are healthy and looking to improve their athletic abilities. This includes increasing strength, speed, power, agility, endurance, and sport-specific skills. The goal is not just to get fit—but to perform better. Whether you’re a high school athlete trying to make varsity, a collegiate player aiming to compete at the next level, or an adult looking to stay active and injury-free, performance training helps push your physical limits in a smart, structured way.
Qualifications for Performance Training Specialists:
- Degrees or certifications in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related fields
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
Performance coaches specialize in biomechanics, athletic development, and progressive training programs designed to challenge and elevate your performance safely and effectively.
How Are They Different?
While Sports PT and Performance Training may look similar at first glance—both can involve strength work, mobility drills, and sport-specific movements—the intention behind each is different. Sports PT is medically focused, with the primary goal of healing and restoring function after an injury. It’s rehabilitative. Performance Training, by contrast, is proactive and developmental. It’s about building a better athlete, not treating an injury.
Another key difference is in the qualifications of the professionals leading the sessions. Sports PTs are licensed healthcare providers who can diagnose injuries, develop rehabilitation plans, and guide medical recovery. Performance Specialists are not medical professionals, but they are experts in helping athletes move better, get stronger, and compete at higher levels.
Do You Need One or the Other — or Both?
If you’re currently dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or managing a diagnosed injury, starting with Sports PT is the right move. A licensed physical therapist can safely guide your recovery and ensure you don’t rush back too soon.
If you’re healthy and looking to get faster, stronger, or more agile, Performance Training is the way to go. You’ll work with a coach who understands your sport, your body, and how to push your performance without compromising safety.
That said, many athletes benefit from using both services at different times in their journey. It’s common for someone to start in Sports PT after an injury and transition into Performance Training once they’re cleared. At Raleigh Orthopaedic’s Performance Center, we call this our bridge program. This continuity of training ensures you’re not just healed—but also fully prepared to return to play, perform better, and reduce the risk of future injury.
Raleigh Orthopaedic’s Performance Centers in Wake County
As a division of Raleigh Orthopaedic, our four performance center locations utilize the expertise of physical therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology, and strength & conditioning. With the support of our Raleigh Orthopaedic physicians, we provide the resources needed to enhance every phase of an athlete’s development.
Our four performance center locations use an integrated training approach for professional and elite athletes, as well as college, high school, and youth athletes. Adults looking to be active and improve their own health and fitness can also benefit from our sports performance training services.
All our performance center locations are staffed with licensed physical therapists, licensed athletic trainers, and certified strength and conditioning specialists. The members of our team have years of experience treating and training athletes of all ages.
Schedule an Appointment with our Performance Center
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, working toward a new PR, or just want to move and feel better in your sport, we’re here to support you. Our expert team of sports physical therapists and performance specialists work together to create a clear, customized plan based on your current needs and future goals. Contact our performance center today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and discover how we can help you reach your full potential.