Sports Therapist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Sports Therapist
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Practice Now »What is a Sports Therapist?
As a sports therapist in the UK, you'll use various techniques such as massage, exercise, and advanced technology to treat and prevent injuries related to sports and physical activity. You'll play a crucial role in rehabilitation and improving performance by helping athletes restore their body systems and maintain overall health.
Skills
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Ability to assess and diagnose injuries
- Proficiency in manual therapy techniques
- Understanding of exercise prescription and rehabilitation protocols
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail and record-keeping abilities
- Knowledge of sports-specific injuries and treatments
- Ability to adapt treatment plans to individual patient needs
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and education
Qualifications & Education
- GCSEs/S grades
- A levels/H grades
- Up to four years training on an approved degree scheme
- State registration as a physiotherapist
- Eligibility for accelerated two-year pre-registration MSc degree programmes in Physiotherapy or Rehabilitation Science for some science and other graduates
- Passing a medical examination
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a sports therapist in the UK, you don't necessarily need a degree, but if you want to join the Society of Sports Therapists, you'll need to have an accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree in sports therapy from one of the society's partner universities.
Yes, being a sports therapist is a good job with high job satisfaction and a range of employment prospects.
To become a sports therapist in the UK, you need five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths, and at least one science. Additionally, you need two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE.
A sports therapist can work as an exercise therapist, exercise rehabilitation instructor, sports massage therapist, personal trainer, health promotion specialist, or in a multidisciplinary clinic alongside other health professionals. They can also pursue research opportunities through postgraduate study or as a research associate.
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