What is a Sports Therapist

A sports therapist is a distinct occupational title. A sports therapist has a clearly defined scope of practice. As a qualified health professional a sports therapist has acquired the skills and ability to utilise sports and exercise principles to optimise performance, recovery and provide injury prevention programmes for their patients. They are able to provide care for injuries that occur in recreational, training, occupational & competitive environments. Sports therapist are trained to assess, treat and where appropriate refer for specialist advice and intervention. Treatment programs provide the appropriate soft tissue interventions in a sport & exercise context with a plan to implement appropriate rehabilitation for improved function.

Key areas of knowledge

Members of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) are trained in the assessment of injury and illness in a sport and exercise environment. Treatment can include the evaluation, management, rehabilitation and treatment of injury. Referral for further investigation will be made when indicated. Members of SST are trained and educated in principles that have sound practical and evidence based philosophies with solid sport and exercise science foundations. Sports therapists who are Members of The Society of Sports Therapists are required to meet clearly defined competency levels. These competency levels cover the breadth of the above areas and gives them the knowledge, skills and ability to work at many levels within the area of the sport and exercise . In addition, Members may select to specialise in a particular area of sports therapy.