When booking a treatment, many of our customers ask us, “Do I need to see a Physiotherapist or a Sports Therapist?”
Both professions share many similarities but are not quite the same. They‘re different healthcare professions, and we‘ll explain what they have in common and what separates them so you can decide which is most appropriate for you.
What are the similarities?
Physiotherapists & Sports Therapists have similar skill sets, as they both require the therapist to be educated to degree level. Both professions can create treatment and exercise plans specifically for the individual to reduce pain levels, complete comprehensive injury assessments, diagnose, and perform soft tissue treatments. This includes massage, manual therapy, and exercise therapy.
What are the main differences?
Sports therapists are trained primarily in musculoskeletal conditions and specialize in the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of patients back to the level of activity they enjoyed prior to their injury. It combines principles of sport and exercises with physiological and pathological processes to prepare participants for training and competition.
The scope of practice of Physiotherapists includes Neurology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal problems, which means Physiotherapists have expertise working with patients with many different conditions beyond just musculoskeletal. For this reason, medical conditions that neurological, cardiovascular or related to the respiratory system should most definitely see a Physiotherapist.
If you have musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, knee pain, and shoulder injury caused by day to day activities or sports, physiotherapy or sports therapy may help. What you choose
One caveat, however, is that your insurer may require you to see a physiotherapist if you choose to do so.
It’s very much down to personal preference and who you would rather see. However, what’s important is to find a sports therapist or physiotherapists near you that you can trust and like.
All of our therapists are highly qualified and professionally regulated, so we can provide you with the highest level of care when recovering from injuries or aches and pains, regardless of whether you see a sports therapist or a physiotherapist.
If you would like more advice call 0330 024 1377 or click below to book an appointment at any of our nationwide clinics.