What is Sports Therapy?
A vital part of staying fit and healthy is doing physical exercise and playing sports. However careful we may be when exercising, we still run the risk of injury.
Injury can be caused by a variety of things. Such as, not warming up properly before exercises, pushing yourself too hard, or simply moving in an awkward way. Recovering properly from injury and pain is really important and this is where Sports Therapy steps in!
Sports Therapy is a healthcare service that involves the prevention of injury. As well as rehabilitation to get a patient back to optimum levels of function and sport specific fitness.
What is a Sports Therapist?
Sport Therapists are regulated by the Society of Sports Therapists. This is once they have studied for 3 years at University. They become experts in musculoskeletal disorders, as well as treating pain and injury. They are health professionals who can:
- utilise exercise to optimise performance, preparation and injury prevention programmes
- provide the immediate care of injuries and basic life support in a recreational, training, occupational & competitive environment
- assess, treat, rehabilitate and if appropriate also refer on for specialist advice and intervention.
- provide appropriate soft tissue interventions
- plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation and return to training/work program
They have the ability to assess, treat and rehabilitate a wide range of injuries. As mentioned above, they also have the ability to refer on for specialist advice if it is required. Our Sports Therapist also works alongside other healthcare professionals, such as Chiropractors and Physiotherapists.
Some Sports Therapists work in a sporting environment. This means they can provide immediate care for injuries that happen pitch-side, as well as basic life support where required.
A Sports Therapist will also provide sports massage.
Did you know?…
Some people think that Sports Therapists only treat athletes. This is not the case! Whether you are a casual gardener or serious athlete, you can see a Sports Therapist for your complaint!
What can a Sports Therapist help with?
A few examples include:
- Back pain
- Ankle Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Wrist Injuries
- Elbow Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
Sports Therapist vs Physiotherapist?
There is often confusion around the difference between Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy. So what actually is the difference?
Both healthcare professionals are trained to treat injuries and pain through hands on treatment, rehabilitation and patient education. Both focus on relieving pain and restoring function. Treatment approaches used by both therapists are similar. They include things such as: massage, mobilisations, taping, shockwave, stretching, dry needling, rehabilitation and patient eduction.
The key difference is that a physiotherapist is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
In order to use the title they must graduate from a Physiotherapy Degree. They maintain health for people of all ages and also help patients manage pain and prevent disease. They help improve a range of conditions associated with different systems in the body.
What to expect when you see a Sports Therapist?
Firstly, you will have an Initial Consultation with your Therapist. At this appointment you will discuss your complaint. You will then have a physical examination. This may involve checking posture, functional movement and strength testing.
Depending on what is found, you may then receive treatment. Your therapist will discuss a suitable rehabilitation plan or injury prevention plan. This may include things such as stretches, strengthening and mobility. But don’t worry, all this will be built up over time. Your Therapist will help guide you through your personalised program.
If you would like to book in for Sports Therapy treatment, then you can do so here.
Additionally, if you have any questions then please email me on gabby@tivolichiropractic.co.uk
