sports-therapy

What is Sports Therapy?

Sports therapy is a form of healthcare specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of patients back to optimum levels of functional, occupational, and sports-specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.

Like Physiotherapy, our Sports Therapists use multiple modalities, combined with a progressive exercise program. This is monitored every step of the way to address physical imbalances created by our posture, lifestyle and physical activities.
Our Practitioners follow a degree education programme, and are registered with a relevant governing body, such as the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).

To book an appointment just call 01243 783040 or use our great on-line booking system. It's really easy to use and means you can book an appointment when and where you need.

We offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation with a Sports Therapist so you can discuss your issue to ensure Sports Therapy is right for you. Click here to book.

What do Sports Therapists treat?

Muscle strains and sprains: These are some of the most common injuries among patients, involving damage to muscles or ligaments.
Tendonitis: Overuse of tendons can lead to inflammation or irritation, such as Achilles tendonitis or jumper’s knee.
Ligament injuries: Injuries to ligaments, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, are common in injuries that involve sudden changes in direction.
Fractures: Sports therapists often work with people to recover from bone fractures and stress fractures, ensuring proper healing and rehabilitation.
Overuse injuries: These occur due to repetitive trauma and can include conditions like shin splints or golfer’s elbow.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Following surgeries related to sports injuries or other surgeries, sports therapists help with recovery and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
Chronic pain and joint issues: Managing pain and dysfunction in joints such as the hips, knees, and shoulders, often related to repetitive activities.

What can I expect from my initial appointment?

In a Sports Therapy initial assessment and treatment, the process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment where the therapist collects detailed information about the patient's medical history, current health status, and the specifics of their injury or the physical issue they are experiencing. This part of the assessment often includes questions about how the injury occurred, the type of pain or discomfort experienced, and any previous treatments received. The therapist may also inquire about lifestyle, daily activities, and any specific goals the patient has, such as returning to a particular sport or improving overall physical function.

Following the assessment, the therapist conducts a physical examination. This may involve observing the patient's movements, conducting specific tests to assess strength, flexibility, range of motion, and identifying any swelling or tenderness in the affected area. The therapist uses this information to diagnose the problem and understand its severity and impact on the patient's ability to perform daily activities or sports.

Based on the findings from the interview and physical examination, the therapist develops a personalized treatment plan. This plan typically includes a combination of manual therapy techniques, such as massage, mobilisation, and manipulation, aimed at relieving pain, reducing swelling, and improving mobility. Exercise therapy is another cornerstone of the treatment plan, with exercises carefully selected to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance coordination, all of which are critical for preventing future injuries and improving overall performance.

Education and advice are also integral parts of the initial treatment, where the therapist may provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, nutrition, and strategies to avoid injury recurrence. The therapist might also recommend modifications to the patient's training regimen or daily activities to facilitate recovery and prevent further injury.

The initial assessment and treatment in sports therapy are critical steps that lay the foundation for the patient's rehabilitation journey. They are designed to not only address the immediate issues related to the injury but also to promote long-term health, fitness, and well-being, enabling the patient to return to their desired level of activity safely and effectively.

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What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy?

Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation are all physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical health. They use similar techniques and both Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy are a degree based professional qualification. Only Physio is HCPC registered, so a Sports Therapist can not treat insurance patients such as BUPA and AXA

Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy are typically both appropriate for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions that impact patients' ability to participate in sport and exercise, or to achieve normal musculoskeletal function in day-to-day life.

Physiotherapist have a broader scope of practice than Sports Therapists. In addition to the common areas of practice above, Physiotherapists' scope of practice also includes treatment of conditions with neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory elements.

All our soft tissue and rehabilitation practitioners are diploma qualified Level 4 Sports and Remedial Therapists, or equivalent. They specialise in muscular pain, dysfunction and injury.