| What has always
amazed me in this industry is the general sporting
public's lack of concern that the person they turn
to for treatment and rehabilitation guidance following
a sporting injury could be anyone! How many of us
would go to an unqualified medical practitioner
for treatment? And yet that is exactly what is happening.
Many athletes are receiving advice and treatment
from a number of unsuitably qualified 'therapists'.
As the national emphasis on 'sport for all' increases,
there has been a dramatic upsurge in the numbers
of those participating in sport at all levels.
However, the number of support structures in place
has not moved on at the pace necessary to provide
the care required.
 For
many of us, sport is more than a game - in fact,
I think it was George Orwell that called it 'war
minus the shooting'. Due to the competitive nature
of sport, it necessitates an aggressive approach
to rehabilitation, since for many of us, the competitive
season is relatively short; the athlete does not
have the luxury of being able to simply sit around
and do nothing until the injury heals. Athletes
have always deserved - and now demand - the best
possible medical cover and treatment.
Several organisations and societies have clearly
defined such a gap (in business terms) in sports
injury management. Consequently, professional
validated educational programmes have been developed.
Courses in Sports Therapy offer both the sporting
fraternity and the general public specialised
advice and treatment, which is not limited to
injury management.
Successful graduates may find opportunities for
employment within the private and public sector
- therapists can expect to find work within professional
football, rugby, hockey, athletics and equine
sports, to name just a few. Others seek employment
in the private 'high street' injury clinics; still
more open their own practice. There are therapists
who find work within the personal training and
health and fitness market, and also inside the
prison and armed services.
What makes sports therapy courses unique is that
there is a high emphasis on the academic side,
with an equally high level of practical involvement.
With their range of skills and underlying knowledge
of the physiological demands of the sport and
position played, the therapist has the ability
to return an athlete to their ability as soon
as safely possible.
Briefly, a sports therapist will have completed
an approved curriculum on:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Examination and assessment of injuries
- Planning treatment and rehabilitation
- Massage and thermal applications
- Fitness testing, including post-injury and
pre-competition assessments and exercise prescription
- Diet and nutrition in sport
- Practical sessions on first aid in competitive
environments
- Legalities and ethics
- Injury prevention
 Accreditation
It is vital that anyone interested in studying
sports therapy finds a course that is recognised
by the Department of Education. This would not
only serve to establish their credibility, but
also to allow members of the public and other
professional organisations to recognise that such
an accredited course produces students who are
qualified to perform as a knowledgeable professional
within their field.
For many sports therapists, one of the most important
concerns after graduating is insurance cover.
Therefore, it is imperative for a prospective
sports therapy student to look for a course that
allows the therapist to join an organisation or
society after completion that provides full professional
indemnity insurance. This will ensure protection
for members and patients alike.
Education is a continuing process. There is such
diversity in the background, experience and expertise
of those involved in the management of sports
injuries, that it is important for any undergraduate
or postgraduate student to have the opportunity
to further their knowledge of sports therapy specialisations.
Other professionals (such as, but not limited
to Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Sports Scientists
and Exercise Physiologists) wishing to embark
on a career in sports therapy should ensure that
an organisation or society runs a 'licensing'
course for acknowledgement of their previous academic
study. Such professionals should expect to demonstrate
that they have either recognizable previous sports-specific
experience or the competence to pass qualifying
examinations, otherwise they may be required to
undertake the sports therapy course in full.
 As
a pre-requisite, organisations or societies which
provide a professional identity for sports therapists
must monitor, educate and legislate on all relevant
matters, and ensure that all members continue
to develop their professional knowledge. Consequently,
these societies must hold a wide variety of courses,
from one-day seminar/workshops to longer residential
courses, in order to provide education for all
levels of continuing membership.
There is now such a groundswell of interest in
sports therapy that numerous programmes have been
developed to accommodate this market. Therefore,
check out the courses, affiliated organisations
and societies, and ensure that the governing bodies
take positive steps towards ensuring that both
sports-people and the public are protected by
experienced, qualified and appropriate professionals.
Establishing such a criteria has been the aim
of the Society of Sports Therapists. Further details
and information on sports therapy courses can
be obtained from:
Sports Rehab & Education Services Ltd.
45c Carrick Street, Glasgow G2 8PJ
Tel: 0141 221 1494
Fax: 0141 221 1525
Authors
Colin D Jackson BSc (Hons), Dip ST, MSST
&
Tom Lucas, MEd, BA (Hons), Dip Soc (OXON), MBPS
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