What Is a Sports Physio and When Should I See One

If you watch a lot of sport, chances are that you’ve noticed all of the elite teams and athletes have Sports Physio’s close to hand when they are training and competing, so a common question is “What is a Sports Physio and when should I see one”.

Sports Physiotherapy (Sports Physio’s) are a speciality within physiotherapy which is dedicated to the assessment and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise at all levels and ages. 

Regardless if you’re running a marathon, playing football for Barcelona or climbing Mount Everest, each injury has to be considered in the context of the demands of the activity. As well as getting athletes out of pain and back to full function, sports Physio’s are also focused on the performance and development of the individual.

At Precision Athletica in Sydney, we have two in-house Sports Physio’s who are available to work with all ages, abilities and sporting backgrounds.

What is the difference between a Physio and Sports Physio?

The term Physiotherapist is protected under Australian Law and only a registered and fully qualified Physiotherapist can call themselves a Physiotherapist. 

To become registered, a person must complete a University degree in Physiotherapy and then be registered with AHPRA – the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

A Titled Physiotherapist such as our own Matt Green and Nicola Mepstead, must have gone on to do a further Masters Degree in a specialised area of Physiotherapy, in this case Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy. 

What does a Sports Physio do?

Sports Physio’s perform many key roles, such as:

4. Improve the strength and mechanics of other parts of the body 

This is essential especially if an athlete needs a period of time away from sport whilst they recover.

5. Manage the players’ return to sport timeline 

This is a skill and only comes with experience. Injuries heal at different rates in different people, the key is not to rush a person back before they are ready, only for the same injury to reoccur. 

6. Work as part of an athletes team 

This may include the coach, team manager, sports doctor or parent, at Precision Athletica our Sports Physio’s also work hand in hand with our Exercise Physiologists, Strength Coaches and Sports Dietitian’s.

7.  Injury prevention 

If possible you always want to avoid an injury in the first place and Sports Physio have a unique skill in assessing possible problem areas and prescribing appropriate training approaches to help mitigate potential problems.

Who should see a Sports Physio?

Anyone who is playing sport and living an active lifestyle has a legitimate reason to work with a Sports Physio.

As you’ve no doubt seen, Elite Athletes in the professional and competitive environment employ Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists to provide evidence-based treatment of injuries, implement injury prevention programmes, provide advice, establish rehabilitation and training programs, restore optimal function and work to maximise overall performance.

But, it’s not just Olympians and professional athletes that can benefit from the expertise of a Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist.

Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists work and help athletes of all ages and abilities, including young developing athletes, recreational athletes, fitness fanatics, weekend warriors and those involved in Social and Amateur Sports Clubs, so if you are active and especially if you are serious about your sport (no matter your level), you could benefit from having a Sports Physio in your corner.

A key message Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists promote is an active lifestyle to help foster and improve one’s quality of life, and that is something that everyone can benefit from. 

If you are interested in finding out more about how a Sports Physio can help you to progress in your chosen sport, or you are already playing a sport and battling a persistent niggle or injury, please feel free to contact our team at Precision Athletica.

Our resident Sports Physio Nicola Mepstead, is available to work with all ages, levels and sporting backgrounds. 

How Do I Book an Appointment with Precision Athletica for Help?

We’re taking the health of our clients, members and staff very seriously and our preference would be for you to call to book an appointment so that we can make sure to explain our approach to keeping you safe. You can call our bookings team to schedule a session:

• Customer Support Centre: 02 9764 5787
• OR email us at: olympicpark@precisionathletica.com.au

Online Consultations

Evolving with the current environment, we are also now offering online appointments, meaning that we can support anyone who is unable to leave their home. Sessions are done via our state-of-the-art Telehealth system and as long as you have a laptop or tablet with an inbuilt camera, or a phone with camera, we can help! 

To learn more about online consultations, please call us on any of the numbers listed above.