PT Handbook: 5 Simple & Essential Physical Therapy Tools

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes exercise lovers and the everyday athlete. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com

PT Handbook Conversation: Recovery Tools Explained

Whether you're a combat sports athlete, weightlifter, or weekend warrior, recovery is just as important as training. These are simple and easy tools for the modern athlete.

With these few simple tools, you can speed up recovery, improve mobility, and stay performing at your best. These aren't magic but they can aide your training by improving blood flow and decreasing muscle tone via nervous system mechanisms (both good things lol). Oh and creatine, just good for everyone at this point.

Here are five tools I recommend and personally use with my clients (mainly active people and athletes) at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy:

1. Foam Roller – The Recovery Workhorse: Foam rolling increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and preps your body for movement. Use it before workouts to improve mobility and after workouts to reduce soreness. Best for: quads, glutes, back, and calves. Choose a high-density roller that holds its shape and gets the job done.

2. Massage Gun – Deep Tissue Relief Anytime: Massage guns offer percussive therapy to target stiff, sore muscles with precision. Perfect for traps, glutes, hamstrings, and shoulders. Use it between workouts or at the end of the day. Look for quiet models with adjustable speeds. I stick to reliable brands that hold up under daily clinical use (Therabody for ex)

3. Lacrosse Ball – Targeted Trigger Point Therapy: Foam rollers can’t reach everything. A lacrosse ball is perfect for pinpointing tight areas, especially in smaller muscle groups. Great for: upper traps, glutes, and the bottom of your feet. Just lean against a wall or floor and roll slowly. Control and breathing are key.

4. Floss Bands – Restore Motion, Reduce Pain: Floss bands apply compression while you move, improving tissue glide, improving blood flow and reducing joint stiffness. Use them on knees, elbows, and ankles—especially after sparring, heavy lifts, or long sessions. Wrap, move for 30 secs to 1 minute, then remove. It’s a fast, effective reset.

5. Creatine – Recovery from the Inside Out: Recovery isn’t just external. Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched supplements in sports performance. It supports energy production (ATP), muscle recovery, strength, and even cognitive health. Look for micronized, unflavored creatine with no fillers.

I recommend all 5 of these tools regularly with clients at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy, and they work. Simple. Affordable. Effective.

Also don’t forget to pair these with the foundation of recovery, aka SLEEP, NUTRITION, LOAD MANAGEMENT (MANAGING TRAINING) AND STRESS MANAGEMENT. But you’ve gotten plenty emails from me on those 🤌 

Ready to upgrade your recovery game? Check out my full Amazon list here:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/aptdoctorg/list/3D614J18OK8TF?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_BPAA877FQPC5RCAEV73X_1

(Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)

Recover Smart,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com