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.
It utilises the principles of sport and exercise science incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.
There is often confusion regarding the difference between physiotherapy and sports therapy as they both deal with similar health concerns. While sports therapists do apply physiotherapy skills, sports therapy is specifically concerned with the prevention and treatment of sport-related injuries using a variety of modalities and techniques.
Another common misconception is that sports therapists only work with professional athletes, this is not true. No matter what your occupation is (or your sporting ability), if your injury is sports/exercise related, a sports therapist will look to help you.
Sports therapist as a healthcare professional who has the knowledge, skills and ability to do the following:
- Utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance
- Provide immediate care of injuries
- Offer basic life support in a recreational, training and/or competitive environment
- Provide sport and remedial massage in a sport and exercise context
- Plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation programmes
What Will Happen when I See a Sports Therapist?
While sports therapists may use different kind of approaches and techniques, generally your treatment will follow this format:
- Initial consultation
- Assessment
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
Sports Therapy Treatments
Sports therapy utilises a number of techniques to help ease pain and encourage recovery. While the specific treatment used will depend on the nature of your injury and your own personal history, the following techniques are commonly used:
- Massage
- Mobilisation
- Myofascial release
- Electrotherapy
- Hot or cold treatment
