Everything You Wanted to Know About Being a Sports Physiotherapist

Job Description

Sports Physiotherapists treat athletes with sports injuries. They identify the injury and then devise a programme to improve the movement and function of the injured area. They also provide advice on how to avoid injury.

Name: Tracy Lewis
Profession: England Women’s Football Chartered, Physiotherapist
Employer: The Football Association

A day in a life of a sports physiotherapist

I work with the injured footballers and arrange physiotherapy for these players. I liaise with the clubs about the player’s injuries and travel around the UK as and when required to assess these players. I design rehabilitation programmes for players as and when required. I teach the medical content on FA coaching courses. Travelling with a squad involves daily assessment and treatment for all players around the training schedule. During an international match I provide pitch side medical assessment.

3 great things about being a sports physiotherapist

1. Working with elite athletes who are focused and motivated

2. Travelling with squads for camps and competition

3. Working with a great team of players and staff who are dedicated and supportive

3 not so great things about being a sports physiotherapist

1. Long hours and sometimes unsocial hours when travelling

2. Spending a lot of time away from friends and family

3. Missing family occasions (birthdays, anniversaries etc due to international fixture list)

Qualifications recommended you gain

Universities usually look for A Levels Grade B/C. One A Level should be a biological science. Students should also hold a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C and above and include Maths, English Language and Sciences. For a degree study a BSc in Physiotherapy. A list of universities providing this course is available via www.csp.org.uk

3 opportunities and experiences recommended you gain

1. When you complete your degree complete your hospital/clinic rotations as a junior physiotherapist to gain all round experience before specialising.

2. Volunteer to work with a sports organisation/team to gain experience.

3. Experience a day in the life of a sports physiotherapist by shadowing a physiotherapist for a day.

Salary range

This will depend on where and who you work for and your level of experience.  Salaries can range from £30,000 upwards.

Useful Websites

www.careers-in-sport.co.uk
www.csp.org
www.acpsm.org