What is Sports Therapy?

Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. It utilises the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.
What is a Sports Therapist? A Sports Therapist is a practitioner who: Has the knowledge and ability to provide first aid and attend to injuries in a recreational, training and competitive environment. Has the knowledge and ability to assess and, where appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention. Has the knowledge and ability to provide sports massage pre and post activity. Has the knowledge and ability to implement appropriate rehabilitation programmes. Has the knowledge to utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise preparation and injury prevention programmes.

Multi-disciplinary Team

A Sports Therapist is an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team necessary to provide the best care, management and rehabilitation for sport and recreational participants, regardless of age and ability.

Training and Education

A Sports Therapist may be trained, educated and capable of providing care from a basic first aid level to graduate status. However, only those who are members of The Society of Sports Therapists will have been deemed as meeting the required levels of competencies and knowledge necessary to be covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Accredited and Validated Programmes of Study

Only those who are members of The Society of Sports Therapists will have undertaken an accredited programme of study and achieved standards of knowledge and competencies that are recognised and recommended by the lead professional body in Sports Therapy.