Sports therapists specialise in the prevention of injury and the treatment and rehabilitation of a patient back to full physical fitness, regardless of age or physical ability. A sports therapist can treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries whether they occur during sport or are work related.

 

An initial assessment of the injured area is carried out to distinguish the source of the problem and provide treatments and/or rehabilitation programmes. Sports massage pre and post activity and the implementation of appropriate rehabilitation programmes are commonly used by sports therapists. Sports therapists also provide first aid and attend to injuries in recreational or competitive environments. Using the knowledge of sports and exercise principles a sports therapist can also provide injury prevention programmes.

 

For more information about Sports Therapy visit The Society of Sports Therapists website: http://www.society-of-sports-therapists.org/

 

There are many benefits of sports massage, such as:

 

• Stimulates blood flow (remove waste products & bring nutrients to the area)

• Stimulates healing

• Increases/maintains mobility & flexibility

• Decreases swelling

• Softens adhesions & breaks down scar tissue

• Induces muscle tone

• Stimulates muscle for contraction

• Reduces DOMS & fatigue

• Decreases stress on the body

• Relieves muscle stiffness, pain & physical tension