Sports therapists use a variety of physical techniques and therapies in the rehabilitation and treatment of athletes who are suffering from injuries or illnesses.
Using the principles of sport and exercise science, you incorporate physiological and pathological processes to make sure participants are training and competing safely and provide an immediate response when sport and exercise related injuries occur.
Employers of sports therapists
Most sports therapists are self-employed. Salaried opportunities arise in sports injury clinics, with professional and amateur sports teams or clubs, health and fitness clubs and sports and leisure centres.
Duties
- helping to prepare athletes both mentally and physically
- advising about stretching and warming up exercises
- giving massages and applying strapping and taping techniques to provide support
- giving first aid if required
- checking injuries and strappings
- making decisions about whether athletes and players can continue
- examining and assessing injuries
- administering treatment for minor injuries such as bruises, strains and blisters
- referring individuals to appropriate sports and medical practitioners for further treatment
- accompanying injured athletes and players to appointments
- examining and assessing injuries
- providing appropriate treatment
- designing and implementing rehabilitation and detox programmes
- advising about nutrition, diet and lifestyle issues
- collaborating with trainers and coaches on injury prevention programmes.
Qualifications
You do not technically need a degree to become a sports therapist. At present, sports therapy is not a regulated profession.
Skills
- the ability to motivate and encourage others
- the capacity to work well with groups, individuals and professional colleagues
- a flexible approach to work
- a positive attitude to problem-solving
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- the ability to recognize and manage risk
- physical fitness
- sensitivity, especially when the injured patient’s skills and confidence are affected.