Sports physiotherapy exists to treat athletes’ physical pain as a result of injuries or due to the repeated physical strain that athletes’ bodies are put under. They treat sprains, tears, cramps and muscle tightness, among others. Regardless of what sport, there are sports physiotherapists that can help. Common sports which can lead to sports injuries include racquetball, football, squash, tennis, running and handball. Different muscle groups are used in each of these sports, so the types of injury vary from sport to sport. If you’ve been injured exercising, regardless of what type of sport you were engaging in, it’s time to seek a sports physiotherapist.
There are a plethora of physiotherapists specializing in sport-related injuries in London. Some come from around the world to get first-class treatment. If you’ve been injured in a sports-related incident then consider a physiotherapist in London because they are the best in the world. Physiotherapists receive training in both physical therapy but are also trained to deal with the psychological needs of each patient. They’re able to help you physically and mentally. It’s what doctors should be able to do — help you in a variety of ways.
According to the National Career Service, “Many sports physiotherapists take a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in sports physiotherapy, sports exercise and medicine, sports injury or rehabilitation science.” It’s as a legitimate medical profession as any other medical doctor. Most major sports teams have sports physiotherapists on staff to treat athletes whenever an accident or injury occurs. Sports physiotherapists also work in hospitals, in colleges as professors, and personal trainers. Sports physiotherapists use various techniques to rehabilitate their patients but they also give their patients exercises they can do on their own. Physiotherapy is more of a collaborative process compared to other types of medical professions.
Sports physiotherapists use techniques such as massage, effleurage, and kneading techniques to relieve pain and loosen up tight muscles and joints. Other practices utilized by sports physiotherapists include physical fitness training, taping and bracing, giving advice about proper sports equipment and equipment that can be used to prevent injuries, relaxation techniques and psychological training on how to improve sports performance in a healthy way.
According to the Society of Sports Therapists, a sports physiotherapist is someone who can:
- utilize sports and exercise principles to optimize performance, preparation and injury prevention programs
- Provide the immediate care of injuries and basic life support in a recreational, training & competitive environment
- Assess, treat and, where appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention.
- Provide appropriate sport and remedial massage in a sport & exercise context
- Plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation programs”
An important note to mention is that sports physiotherapists don’t just focus on the treatment. It’s great to be able to have a sports physiotherapist aid you in treating your injuries. Everyone wants and deserves treatment once they’ve been injured. But a big part of what physiotherapists do is spread knowledge and information on how to prevent injuries in the first place. With their knowledge of both preventative strategies and post-injury care, sports physiotherapists have a lot to offer to the sports community.