What Is The Difference Between Sports Therapy And Physiotherapy?

When you’re in pain, it can be difficult to identify which profession is going to be the best option for you.

Do you opt for a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist or sports therapist? Without any prior knowledge it’s almost impossible to know what is going to give you the best results.

Even understanding the differences between each of them is a tough task. So today, I’ll help clear up some of that uncertainty so you can decide what step you need to take to change your life for good.

This blog will give you clarity on the difference between a sport therapist and a physiotherapist, along with the confidence to make the right decision to fix your pain.

But remember! It is important to note that the information provided is general and does not apply to all professionals. Any professional may specialize in different areas. This is just a guideline to help you take the next steps.

What Is Sports Therapy?

A Sports Therapist is a degree level profession.

The Society of Sports Therapists defines sports therapy as ‘an aspect of healthcare that is concerned with the prevention of injury and rehabilitation of a patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.’

The main job of a Sports Therapist is prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.

These can occur from sporting activity or general lifestyle. Don’t be put off by the word “SPORTS”. Sports Therapists are educated around the injuries of day-to-day life.

A Sports Therapist, member of the Society of Sports Therapy is confident in the following competencies:

• Injury prevention.
• Injury recognition and evaluation.
• Management, treatment and referral.
• Rehabilitation.
• Educational and professional practice issues.

Sports therapists are capable of working in both private practice and sporting environments.

But there is some uncertainty around the sports therapy title. Anyone can call themselves a sports therapist with or without a degree so you must do your research.

Before booking an appointment at any practice please make sure your practitioner is qualified. At ProSport all our therapists are degree level qualified.

Physiotherapy Summary

As the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy notes, ‘Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement, exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.’

This is also a degree level profession the same as a sports therapist.

A Physiotherapist has a broader knowledge base including the following:

• Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s).
• Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis).
• Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack).
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis).

Physiotherapists are found in many social care settings, private practice, NHS, and sports clubs to name a few.

Sports Therapy And Physiotherapy At ProSport

At ProSport we have both sports therapists and physiotherapists in the clinic. The common similarity between the two is the ability to treat musculoskeletal problems. That means that our therapists are always equipped to help.

We ensure each one of our therapists provide the same level of care as the next. To do this each week our therapists take part in training sessions with head physiotherapist Shane.
This is to ensure they are able to continue treating and providing the same top quality level of care.

In a private clinical setting, sports therapists and physiotherapists have a common ground. There is no difference between which therapist you see here at ProSport.

If you are using health insurance to cover your sessions it might be important to check which qualifications they require.

Hopefully we have been able to answer most of your questions. But if you do need any more information please feel free to click here, book your free assessment, or just send us an email.