What is Sports Therapy?

Sports Therapy is specifically concerned with the rehabilitation and prevention of injury and return to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. A Sports Therapist is a healthcare professional who has the knowledge, skills and ability to Recognise, Evaluate, Manage, Treat, Rehabilitate & Prevent, a wide variety of sports injuries, as well as provide immediate care of injuries and basic life support in recreational, training & competitive environments.

Sports Therapy is not just about Sports Massage. A Graduate Sports Therapist can utilise a wide range of methods and techniques (have a look at the list on the right), including Sports Massage and soft tissue therapy skills, which are an integral part of their scope of practice. Sports Therapists are not Physiotherapists, but Sports Therapists will apply “physiotherapy skills” in a sport and exercise context rather than a traditional medical healthcare context.

Members of The Society of Sports Therapists are required to meet clearly defined competency levels which give them the knowledge, skills and ability to work at all levels of the sport and exercise continuum. Members of The Society of Sports Therapists are also required to show evidence that they are up to date with these skills, on an annual basis, in order to renew their membership.

The Society of Sports Therapists continues to ensure that both its Members and the profession are respected for the distinct scope of practice and science based foundations that are inherent and integral to Sports Therapists and Sports Therapy.

To find out what Sports Therapy can do for you, please contact me here.