Which of the following is a potential benefit of physical therapy for a sports injury?

Choosing the option related to increased motion and strength as a potential benefit of physical therapy for a sports injury is accurate because physical therapy specifically emphasizes restoring flexibility, improving strength, and enhancing overall function following an injury.

Therapists employ targeted exercises to gradually reintroduce movement and build strength in the affected area. This process not only aids recovery but also assists in preventing future injuries by ensuring the individual regains optimal function and stability.

While reduction of swelling is indeed a benefit of some treatments in physical therapy, it is more of a temporary management strategy rather than the broader gain of improved motion and strength that comes with a well-structured rehabilitation program. Pain management through physical therapy is crucial and can be achieved without medication, but it doesn't directly address the long-term outcomes associated with improved physical performance. Immediate resumption of activities, though desirable, is often not feasible right after therapy since proper rehabilitation typically requires a careful, graduated return to full activity to ensure the injury heals completely and the body can cope with the demands of the sport.