Sports Therapy

What is a Sports Therapist?

Sports Therapy benefits anyone seeking to improve their physical well-being and day to day function, but it also is an occupation designed to assist recreational and professional athletes with their performance.

A Sports Therapist is a distinct occupational title that applies to a clearly defined scope of practice.

A Sports Therapist, who is a Member of The Society of Sports Therapists is an allied health professional who has the knowledge, skills and ability to:

  • Assess, treat, rehabilitate and, where and if appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention.
  • Provide appropriate soft tissue interventions in a day to day setting but also in a sport & exercise context
  • Plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation but also return to training/work programmes
  • Utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance, preparation and injury prevention programmes
What is Sports Therapy and how can it help me?

Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that focuses on preventing injuries and rehabilitating patients to achieve optimal levels of functional, occupational, and sports-specific fitness. Regardless of age and ability, Sports Therapy aims to prepare individuals for training, competition, and work by incorporating principles from sport and exercise science. Here are the key aspects of Sports Therapy:

  • Injury Prevention: Sports Therapists work to prevent injuries by assessing risk factors, implementing preventive strategies, and educating patients on safe practices during physical activities.
  • Rehabilitation: When injuries occur, Sports Therapists provide immediate care, assess the condition, and develop personalized rehabilitation plans. They focus on restoring function, reducing pain, and promoting healing.
  • Soft Tissue Interventions: Sports Therapists use various techniques such as sports massage, stretching, and mobilization to address soft tissue injuries and promote recovery.
  • Return to Sport: After an injury, Sports Therapists guide patients through a structured process to safely return to their sport or physical activity. This includes gradual progression, functional exercises, and monitoring progress.
  • Referral and Collaboration: If necessary, Sports Therapists refer patients to specialists for further evaluation or intervention.

Remember, Sports Therapy is not limited to professional athletes—it benefits anyone seeking to improve their physical well-being, day to day function and performance

What conditions can a Sports Therapist help with?

Sports therapists see patients with a range of health conditions and injuries on a daily basis, however this is not limited to just sports injuries. Common conditions that our sports therapists regularly encounter in the clinic include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons
  • Repetitive injuries
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Postural problems
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Joint pain and stiffness
What can you expect with us, when you see a Sports Therapist?

As part of your initial visit with a sports therapist here at the clinic, you can expect the following, in order to make an accurate diagnosis and get you on the path to recovery:

  • A thorough case history/discussion of medical history
  • Detailed Physical Assessment (including assessment of mobility, strength and posture)
  • Detailed Explanation of our findings and diagnosis
  • Proposed treatment/recovery plan specific to individual
  • Beginnings of the treatment process
  • Then receive your personalised rehabilitation plan

What treatment can a Sports Therapist perform?

After a diagnosis has been made, generally treatment begins immediately, during your initial visit. There are a number of techniques that are used in daily practice by sports therapists, which most commonly include:

  • Joint mobilisation and stretching
  • Sports massage/deep tissue massage
  • A range of other myofascial techniques
  • Supportive sports taping
  • Kinesio-taping
  • Cupping
  • 1:1 Rehabilitation
What does 1-1 rehabilitation involve with a Sports Therapist?

Personalised rehabilitation is a key part of a Sports Therapist’s role. Often some form of strengthening or stretching must be carried out in order to help return an individual to full health. Many patients decide to carry out their exercise programmes at home, but we do have the option to put together a supervised exercise programme for you to carry out with us at the clinic, on a one-to-one basis.

If required, the first part of a rehabilitation process is to address the pain, whether this is of a recent onset, or a longer term discomfort. Your Sports Therapist will guide you through the rehabilitation process and advise on appropriate exercises to do at each stage of your recovery, which will usually be modified once your pain or discomfort is starting to improve.

Prices

Sports Therapy initial assessment- 45 minutes: £50
Follow up treatment sessions 45 minutes: £50
Follow up treatment sessions 30 minutes £40