"So, Are You Like a Physiotherapist?"
Posted on 18th August 2023
"So, Are You Like a Physiotherapist?" – If we had a pound for every time we were asked this question, we’d be very rich indeed! This is our view on it as sports therapists.
Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy are two separate healthcare professions, however sports therapy is often misunderstood, with many people unaware of our capabilities and background.
There isn’t a direct answer to this question, as technically yes it could be said that we are “like” physiotherapists as we are both:
There isn’t a direct answer to this question, as technically yes it could be said that we are “like” physiotherapists as we are both:
Highly educated to degree level, qualified and knowledgeable professionals.
Able to create unique treatment plans specific to your individual needs, alongside rehabilitation programmes.
Aid in minimising experienced pain levels.
Provide assessments of injuries and where possible a diagnosis.
Perform soft tissue treatments such as massage, muscle energy techniques and manual therapy treatments such as mobilisations.
Help clients with injury prevention, management and lifestyle changes.
So, what do we do and what are the differences between these two professions?
What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist, also known as a physical therapist in some regions, is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various physical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Their main goal is to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the overall physical function of their patients.
Physiotherapists undergo extensive education and training to earn their qualifications. They typically hold a degree in physiotherapy, which involves comprehensive studies in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and therapeutic techniques.
What does a physiotherapist do?
Some common roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist include:
Rehabilitation: They work with patients who have undergone surgeries or experienced injuries to regain strength, mobility, and function.
Pain management: Physiotherapists use various therapeutic modalities to alleviate pain caused by musculoskeletal issues, such as joint pain, back pain, and sports injuries.
Exercise prescription: Developing customised exercise programs to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, thereby helping patients reach their recovery goals.
Education and prevention: They educate patients about injury prevention techniques, proper body mechanics, and lifestyle modifications to maintain overall physical health.
Posture correction: Physiotherapists assess and correct posture imbalances, helping patients to avoid injuries related to poor alignment.
What is a sports therapist?
Now, let's turn our attention to sports therapists and their unique role in the world of sports medicine. A sports therapist is a specialised healthcare professional who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to sports and physical activities.
They play a crucial role in maintaining athletes' health and optimising their performance, although the services they offer aren’t exclusively limited to athletes. They often treat a wide varity of individuals for a whole host of muscle and joint issues.
While sports therapists may not have the same level of formal education as physiotherapists, they still undergo specialised training to work with athletes. They often hold certifications or diplomas in sports therapy, which encompass studies in anatomy, injury assessment, rehabilitation, and sports-specific techniques.
What does a sports therapist do?
Some of the key responsibilities of a sports therapist include:
Injury assessment: Evaluating and diagnosing sports-related injuries to determine the appropriate course of treatment and rehabilitation.
Sports massage: Sports therapists are skilled in sports massage techniques to enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and accelerate recovery.
Taping and strapping: Applying various taping and strapping techniques to support injured or vulnerable joints and muscles during physical activity.
Rehabilitation: Designing and implementing tailored rehabilitation programs to help athletes return to their sports safely and swiftly after an injury.
Prehabilitation: Focusing on injury prevention, sports therapists create exercise and conditioning programs to prepare athletes for the physical demands of their sports, as well as helping non-athletes prevent injury.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and sports therapy?
As you can see, both professions use a similar approach to any treatment where “physiotherapy” skills are applied.
Physiotherapy definition;
“The treatment of disease, injury or deformity by physical methods including massage, heat treatment, electricity and exercise, rather than drugs or surgery”.
A sports therapist, our approach is exactly the same but we are much more ‘hands on’. We muscle test, massage, stretch and mobilise joints as well as give exercises.
Nowadays we work alongside one another in multi-disciplinary teams, where our individual knowledge can be put together to provide the best possible outcomes for clients. We have this within our Fire & Earth team, our specialism is soft tissue and within that we all have different skills that get the best possible results for each client.
Are you interested in becoming a sports therapist? Then sign up for one of our courses, we have regular introduction days as well as longer courses!
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