Sports physiotherapists diagnose and treat sports injuries, help individuals to get better and advise them on how to avoid similar injuries in the future. They work with sportspeople at all levels, including top-level professionals as well as those who play sport recreationally.
The work may involve:
- examining and diagnosing injuries
- identifying the cause of an injury
- devising an individual treatment plan
- agreeing realistic timescales for the sportsperson to return to their sport
- keeping accurate records of their treatment and progress
- discussing the sportsperson’s ambitions for the future.
The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrotherapy. Some may also learn skills such as reflexology or acupuncture, so they can offer additional services to patients. The type of treatment depends on the injury and can involve using specialist medical equipment.
Treatments include:
- taping
- manipulation
- massage
- heat treatment
- cryotherapy (the use of cooling as a means of treating injuries)
- therapeutic exercise
- electrotherapy
- ultrasound
- acupuncture
- hydrotherapy.
Sports physiotherapists often have to deal with people who are in pain and frustrated as a result of their injuries, so they need practical counselling skills together with patience and tact.
Working with professional sportspeople, physiotherapists often work as part of a team with sports scientists, coaches and other healthcare professionals. Those in private practice may work alone or with other physiotherapists or practitioners.
Hours and environment
Most sports physiotherapists work around 36 hours a week. The hours are irregular and can include early mornings and evenings. Weekend hours are common, especially for those working in a clinic, as appointments are arranged to suit patients who work during the day. Many sports activities also take place at weekends.
The working environment may be in specially equipped private treatment rooms, exercise areas, swimming or hydrotherapy pools or sports centres, or at sports events which may involve being out in all weathers.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
- A newly qualified physiotherapist is paid around €35,000.
- A senior physiotherapist can earn up to €60,000.
Entry Routes:
Sports Physiotherapy is a post-graduate qualification.
- UCD offer a 2-year Graduate Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy which is open to physiotherapists eligible for ISCP registration with 2 years experience. A 2-year Master’s programme in Sports Physiotherapy is also available at UCD.
- NUIG offer a 2-year Master’s in Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy which is open to chartered physiotherapy graduates (BSc Physiotherapy NUI) or another university deemed acceptable, with a minimum of two years experience post qualification.
You must first become a Chartered Physiotherapist :
1. Complete a recognised three or four year undergraduate university degree course (or a 2 year accelerated entry to practice MSc) which includes at a minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice
2. Be accepted as a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
3. Undertake continuous professional development.