Understanding Sports Physiotherapy: Roles, Responsibilities, and Benefits
Whether you're a professional athlete or someone who simply enjoys staying active, sports injuries can be a significant setback.
But did you know that the right physiotherapy can make all the difference in your recovery?
This article explores the world of sports physiotherapy, examining its roles, responsibilities, and how it benefits both athletes and non-athletes.
We'll also highlight the differences between doctors, general physiotherapists, and sports physiotherapists, and explain what to expect during a sports physiotherapy session, helping you better understand how these experts in body and movement can assist you in returning to the activities and sports you love.
What is Sports Physiotherapy?
Definition and Scope
A physiotherapist or physical therapist works with patients to develop customized programs designed to restore as much as possible their functional ability and movement.
They take a holistic (whole-body) approach, addressing not only the physical aspects of the well-being, but also emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Sports physiotherapy is a specialized field within physiotherapy dedicated to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of sports-related injuries at all levels and ages.
Whether the sport is, sports physiotherapists must consider each injury in the context of the demands of the activity.
More concretely, Sports physiotherapists will not design the same rehabilitation plan to treat an ankle sprain in a football player as they would for a runner.
Usual Academic Background of Sports Physiotherapists
🎓 Educational Requirements
Sports physiotherapists generally have an extensive educational background. This typically includes:
Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy: A foundational degree covering essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Master’s Degree in Sports Physiotherapy: Advanced studies focusing on sports-specific injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and performance enhancement.
Specialized Certifications: Many sports physiotherapists obtain additional certifications in areas such as manual therapy, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention.
🧠 Sports Physiotherapist Competencies
Sports physiotherapists are required to have a diverse set of competencies to manage and treat sports injuries effectively. The International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT) has identified eleven competencies that is required for sports physiotherapists :
Injury Prevention: Developing and implementing strategies to prevent injuries, including strength and conditioning programs.
Acute Intervention: Providing immediate care for sports injuries to minimize damage and promote quick recovery.
Rehabilitation: Designing and supervising rehabilitation programs tailored to the specific needs of athletes.
Performance Enhancement: Utilizing techniques to enhance athletic performance, such as biomechanical analysis and sport-specific training.
Promotion of a Safe, Active Lifestyle: Encouraging athletes to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Life-Long Learning: Engaging in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in sports physiotherapy.
Professionalism and Management: Maintaining high standards of professional practice and effectively managing the rehabilitation process.
Research Involvement: Participating in and applying research to improve clinical practices.
Dissemination of Best Practices: Sharing knowledge and best practices with colleagues and the broader sports community.
Innovation: Developing new methods and approaches to improve treatment and rehabilitation outcomes.
Fair Play and Anti-Doping: Promoting fair play and adhering to anti-doping regulations in sports.
Sports Physiotherapy Competencies and Standards
Dr Cathy Bulley - www.SportsPhysiotherapyForAll.org
Roles and Responsibilities of a Sports Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists are qualified and professionally required to:
Undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the patient
Evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make clinical judgments regarding patients
Formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and plan
Provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients need to be referred to another healthcare professional
Implement a physiotherapist intervention/treatment program
Determine the outcomes of any interventions/treatments
Make recommendations for self-management
PREVENTION
DIAGNOSIS
REHABILITATION
EDUCATION
Common Reasons to See a Sports Physiotherapist
Injury Examination: Sports Physiotherapists are trained to identify the extent and severity of an injury and to determine whether further examinations or rehabilitation are needed.
Injury Rehabilitation: From acute injuries like sprains and fractures to chronic conditions such as tendinopathy, sports physiotherapists help patients recover and return to normal life.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy is essential after surgeries to ensure proper healing and restore function.
Injury Prevention: Regular physiotherapy sessions can help prevent injuries by addressing potential issues before they become serious.
Recovery: Through the use of various techniques like massage, stretching, and physiotherapy machines, sports physiotherapists can support and enhance the recovery after activities that cause fatigue, tightness, or muscle soreness.
Performance Enhancement: Sports Physiotherapists can help to improve athletes performance through advices on specialized training and conditioning programs.
Difference Between General Physiotherapists and Sports Physiotherapists
Scope of Practice
While both general and sports physiotherapists aim to improve patients' physical function and alleviate pain, their areas of focus differ significantly.
General Physiotherapists: They treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary issues. Their patients can include people of all ages and activity levels.
Sports Physiotherapists: They specialize in treating sports-related injuries and conditions. Their patients are sports practitioners, ranging from amateurs to professionals, and their treatment plans are tailored to the specific demands of various sports.
We are Sports Physiotherapists,
We treat sports injuries in the context of the activity/sport
Our goal is not only to help our patients to be pain-free
Our goal is to bring our patients back to activity/sport
Skills and Techniques
General Physiotherapists and Sports Physiotherapists will use the same fundamental components of rehabilitation :
Physiotherapy
Shockwave, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Game Ready, Ultrasound, Taping,...
Manual Therapy
“Hands-On” Techniques : Joint Mobilisation, Joint Manipulation, Stretching, Physiotherapy Instrument Mobilisation (Cupping, scraping,..), Massage, Soft Tissue Techniques,...
Active Rehabilitation
Strengthening and Mobility Exercises, General Conditioning, Core Stability, Balance - Stability Exercises..
Additionally, sports physiotherapists possess specialized skills and techniques that cater specifically to the needs of sports practitioners:
Rehabilitation: They use sport-specific rehabilitation exercises to ensure you can return to your sport safely and effectively.
Injury Prevention: They are trained to identify potential sport-specific risk factors for secondary injuries and develop strategies to prevent them.
Specific Conditioning: They incorporate specific conditioning exercises into your rehabilitation plan, allowing you to maintain a good level of aerobic fitness during the rehabilitation period when you're not participating in sports practice.
Doctor or Physio – Who Should You See?
==> Doctors address the medical aspect of pathology and prescribe medication to aid in a patient’s recovery
==> Physiotherapists focus on finding out the contributing factors while using manual skills and exercise prescription to aid a patient’s recovery
Working Together
Most physiotherapists and general practitioners bring their expertise and work together hand in hand to meet the needs of patients adequately.
What usually happens is that :
Doctors refer patients to physiotherapists for injuries that require their particular expertise
Physiotherapists will refer patients to doctors if there is a need for certain prescription medication, injections, scans, and so on.
It’s also possible to get a diagnosis from a physiotherapist straightaway, especially for physical injuries that affect movement or are related to musculoskeletal issues.
Sports physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who are trained to identify red flags (emergency situations) and refer patients to the appropriate exams or other healthcare practitioner if needed.
What to Expect During a Sports Physiotherapy Session
Initial Consultation During your first appointment, the physiotherapist will review your medical history, lifestyle, and specific injury. This includes discussing your symptoms, previous treatments, recovery goals, and expectations for returning to your sport.
Assessment and Diagnosis The physio will conduct a series of tests to assess your movement, strength, flexibility, and overall functional capacity. This thorough assessment helps in formulating an accurate diagnosis and developing a targeted treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Customized Treatment Plan Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created to address your unique requirements. This plan may include manual therapy, active exercise prescriptions, and advice on lifestyle modifications to support your recovery.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Regular sessions are scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. You'll also receive a set of home exercises designed to complement your in-clinic sessions, ensuring continuous progress towards your recovery and return to sport.
Secondary Prevention Program After completing the rehabilitation program, your physiotherapist will provide you with a secondary prevention plan. This includes education on injury prevention techniques, sport-specific conditioning exercises, and strategies to minimize the risk of re-injury.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sports Physiotherapy is all about helping you stay active and healthy, whether you're an athlete or just someone who enjoys moving.
It's not just about treating injuries—it's about preventing them, ensuring you have the right diagnosis and treatment plan, and getting you back to doing what you love without pain or fear of movement.
Working with a sports physiotherapist means having a reliable partner in your journey to recovery, someone who understands your unique needs and helps you navigate the road to recovery with confidence and care.
As a sports practitioner at any level, it's your responsibility to take care of your body.
Follow these 4 Practical Tips after reading this article:
Don’t wait for the situation to worsen before seeing a specialist if you’re injured.
Schedule yearly check-ups with your sports physiotherapist to identify potential injury risk factors.
Implement warm-up and recovery routines specific to your sport - or ask your physio to provide you with some.
Check our website’s FAQ for answers to common questions about Sports Physiotherapy.
Take Home Messages
==> You don’t need to be a professional athlete to see a sports physiotherapist.
==> The goal of sports physiotherapists is not only to help patients return to daily activities but also to get them back to their sport.
==> Sports physiotherapy is a recognized specialty that comes with a wide range of roles, responsibilities, and competencies.
==> Doctors and physiotherapists have different expertise—doctors are experts in medicine, while physiotherapists specialize in rehabilitation. They work together to support patient recovery.
==> Early intervention by a sports physiotherapist can prevent minor issues from becoming major injuries, ensuring a quicker and safer return to activity.
Sources
https://world.physio/resources/what-is-physiotherapy
https://sportsphysiotherapy.org.nz/
https://ifspt.org/competencies/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/The_Role_of_the_Sports_Physiotherapist
American Physical Therapy Association: “Becoming a PT.”
Health Direct: “Physiotherapy.”
Thorborg K, Mendonça L. Sports Physiotherapy for All. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Oct 1;16(5):1178-1180. doi: 10.26603/001c.28268.
