Sports physical therapists work with athletes to prevent and treat sports-related injuries. They educate athletes on injury prevention, assess and treat injuries, and coordinate with coaches and doctors. Employers include gyms, schools, universities, and professional sports organizations. A relevant undergraduate degree and certification may be required.
A sports physical therapist, also known as a sports physical therapist or sports coach, works with athletes, individually or in teams, to minimize and treat sports-related injuries. Their work often involves educating athletes to prevent injuries, assessing and treating injuries during training sessions and competitions, and meeting with coaches and doctors to discuss the athletes’ training progress and physical fitness. A sports physical therapist may be employed by a gym, high school, university, or professional sports organization. He should normally hold at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
One of the most important parts of the sports physiotherapist’s job is to prevent injuries among their clients, who are often part of a sports team. To minimize injuries, sports physiotherapists typically spend significant time educating their clients on how to use training machines safely, how to stretch muscles after workouts, and so on. After competitive events and training sessions, the physiotherapist may also perform therapeutic treatments, such as administering massages or ice baths, to encourage proper muscle and bone recovery before the next competition or training session.
Even when preventive measures are taken, injuries sometimes occur during sporting events. So another important part of a sports physiotherapist’s job is waiting in the wings during games and practices in case an athlete is injured. Should an injury occur, the sports physical therapist should immediately assess the athlete’s condition and quickly decide on appropriate treatment. He may apply tape or splints, or, in the case of moderate to severe injuries, may refer the athlete to the team doctor or a medical facility.
In many cases, it is necessary for a sports physical therapist to coordinate with other members of a team’s training and medical staff. He may meet regularly with coaches and team doctors to formulate training plans. As an injured athlete recovers, the sports physical therapist may consult with the team physician to decide which exercises and therapeutic treatments will best prepare that athlete to return to competition.
The most common employers of sports physical therapists are gyms, high schools, universities, and professional sports organizations. Sometimes physical therapists who work with high school staff are also employed as teachers at that high school. On the other hand, sports physiotherapists employed by universities or professional athletic organizations often work with a full-time team and may even be required to travel with that team.
Most employers require sport physiotherapists to have at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as physiotherapy or sports medicine. Some employers require a master’s degree. Additionally, in many countries, sports physiotherapists are required to acquire a license by successfully completing a certification exam.
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