Sports Physiotherapist

Sports physiotherapists diagnose and treat sports injuries, help individuals to get better and advise them on how to avoid similar injuries in the future. Their work includes examining and diagnosing injuries, identifying the cause of an injury and devising an individual treatment plan. Their skills include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrotherapy.

Most sports physiotherapists work around 36 hours a week. The hours are irregular and can include early mornings and evenings. Weekend hours are common as many sports are played at that time.

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.

Salaries in the NHS range from around £20,710 to £39,273. Salaries in the private sector may be higher. Self-employed sports physiotherapists charge an hourly rate.

Sports physiotherapists need:

• excellent communication skills
• the ability to explain clearly to patients how to carry out exercises
• to be good with their hands to carry out some treatments
• motivational skills to encourage clients to persevere with treatment and therapy.

Sports physiotherapy is a growing area of work across the UK. Therapists work mainly in health and fitness clubs, private sports injuries clinics and leisure centres or for individual sports teams. A small number work for the NHS.

To become a sports physiotherapist it is necessary to have an approved physiotherapy degree. Courses last three or four years and include clinical placements. Entry requirements are usually at least three A levels at grade C or above, including a biological science, and at least five GCSEs (A*-C), including maths, English and a spread of science subjects or equivalent qualifications. Entry is competitive so applicants may need more than the minimum requirements. Some degrees require relevant work experience.

All physiotherapists, whether working in the NHS or elsewhere, must register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and undertake continuing professional development (CPD). Some go on to study for further qualifications.

There is no set promotional route in this career. It may be possible to move up to senior sports physiotherapist. Many sports physiotherapists are self-employed, working on a freelance basis or setting up their own practice. Some move into research or teaching. There may be opportunities to work overseas.

Further details