05/21/2025
A sports physiotherapist is a licensed healthcare professional with specialized post-graduate training in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. They work with athletes of all levels—from recreational participants to elite professionals.
Sports physiotherapists often pursue additional certifications in sports physiotherapy, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and emergency sports first aid. Many complete advanced coursework through programs recognized by national physiotherapy associations or obtain credentials such as Certificate or Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy.
A key aspect of their role involves on-field coverage. This includes attending practices, games, and competitions to provide immediate care for acute injuries, manage emergencies, and coordinate further medical attention when needed. Sports physiotherapists are trained in concussion recognition and management, spinal injury protocols, bleeding control, and fracture stabilization.
Sports physiotherapists manage a wide range of musculoskeletal and sport-specific injuries, including:
• Sprains and strains (e.g., ankle sprains, hamstring pulls)
• Joint injuries (e.g., shoulder dislocations, ACL tears)
• Overuse injuries (e.g., tendinopathies, stress fractures)
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Concussions and return-to-play progression
• Muscle imbalances and biomechanical issues
They also play a key role in injury prevention through screening, strength and conditioning advice, and sport-specific movement retraining.
One of the critical responsibilities of a sports physiotherapist is guiding an athlete safely back to sport after injury. This involves functional return-to-play testing, which assesses strength, mobility, endurance, and sport-specific skills under controlled conditions.
Whether it’s an adolescent soccer player, a marathon runner, or a weekend hockey enthusiast, sports physiotherapists help clients reach their goals by enhancing recovery, improving performance, and reducing injury risk. Our physiotherapist Joel Buckler PT has post-graduate certification in sports physiotherapy. Please contact the clinic if we can be of help caring for your athlete.