We’re proud of our team’s commitment to advancing their own expertise in physical therapy and exercise through the achievement of specialist certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) designation. This certification, presented by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) represents a commitment to the latest evidence-based strength training techniques, education, and skills that not all physical therapists or personal trainers have.
We believe that having a diverse range of specialists in-house at our clinics provides our patients with the best care for the widest range of conditions, preferences, and goals. Our CSCS team members allow us to help patients build strength reliably and sustainably, whether they’re recovering from surgery or looking to increase their competitive edge in sports.
What is CSCS certification?
Trainers and therapists who pass the CSCS examination have proven their expertise in several key areas around health, fitness, and human anatomy, including:
- Exercise science
- Sport psychology
- Nutrition
- Program design
- Exercise techniques
When you see a physical therapist with a CSCS certification, it not only means they have qualified to practice physical therapy, but went above and beyond to become specialists in implementing strength training plans for people of all backgrounds and needs.
Is CSCS different than a physical therapist?
A certified strength and conditioning specialist can be a physical therapist, but doesn’t have to be, and vice versa. Not every physical therapist will have a CSCS designation, and not every person with a CSCS designation is also a physical therapist. It’s important to ask about a trainer’s qualifications, including when they were last certified/re-certified, if having a specific title is important to your goals.
A CSCS also may have sport-specific expertise for evaluating, recommending, and helping you train, which, combined with the other aspects of their certification, provide a comprehensive training plan from meal planning to workout routines.
At the end of the day, a CSCS might provide specific benefits you’re looking for, but shouldn’t be the only thing you’re looking for in a physical therapist, especially if you’re recovering from injury or accident, when your goals are different than when you’re fully healthy.
What to expect from a certified strength and conditioning specialist
Your treatment plan, no matter what certifications your physical therapist has, will be tailored to your unique needs for healing, strength, and achieving your goals. The certification indicates that a particular professional has a proven interest and expertise in strength training and conditioning, not that you’ll follow a specific exercise routine you wouldn’t otherwise have access to with a different physical therapist.
The benefits of a CSCS are that you can be assured that you’re getting the latest science-backed techniques and a holistic approach to your fitness goals, whether training for a specific event, re-gaining strength after surgery, or finding a sustainable way to optimize your health.
Discover the advantage of a certified strength and conditioning specialist
We encourage those looking for certified providers of all kinds to reach out to a clinic near you for the most up-to-date information about our staff and specialties. We’re happy to answer your questions whether you give a nearby clinic a call or request more information online. Let us share how we can serve you!