Sports Therapy

Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.

A Sports Therapist is a healthcare professional that specialises in the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain and conditions. They deal with common complaints such as back pain, mobility problems, postural problems and work related conditions as well as having specialist expertise in treating injured athletes. They specialise in injuries and disease of the musculoskeletal system which comprises the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

There is sometimes confusion and some misunderstanding about the knowledge and skills this specific occupational group possesses. To clarify this, a graduate sports therapist can:

Assess, treat and manage musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
Where appropriate refer on for specialist advice and intervention
Plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation programmes
Provide immediate care for injuries and basic life support in a recreation, training and competitive environment
Utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance, preparation and injury prevention programmes.

Sports Therapists are not Physiotherapists

But Sports Therapists will apply "physiotherapy" skills because physiotherapy is defined as "the treatment of disease, injury or deformity by physical methods including massage, heat treatment, electricity and exercise, rather than drugs or surgery".

Is my Therapist qualified?

Graduate Sports Therapists undergo a 3 year degree training programme and are registered with the Society of Sports Therapists or Sports Therapist Organisation. These governing bodies ensure that all members abide by a strict code of practice and professional codes of conduct.

Sports Therapists specialise in:

Sports Injuries
Musculoskeletal pain and injury (injuries and disease of the musculoskeletal system)
Orthopaedic conditions
Postural related pain and conditions
Biomechanical dysfunction
Acute and chronic back pain
Pre and Post-operative care