28 Mar Physio vs. Sports Physio: Who Should Treat Your Injury?
Have you ever tweaked your back or pulled a hamstring? If you’re an athlete, getting back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible is probably a top priority. This is where physiotherapy comes in. But within the world of physiotherapy, there’s a sub-specialty: sports physiotherapy. Let’s break down the difference between these two so you know who’s best suited to treat your injury.
The Physiotherapist: Your Body’s General Practitioner
Think of a physiotherapist as your musculoskeletal system’s general practitioner. They have a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, giving them a broad understanding of the body, how it moves, and how to treat injuries and conditions. They can help with a wide range of issues, from post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain management.
The Sports Physiotherapist: The Athlete’s Champion
A sports physiotherapist is still a physiotherapist, but they’ve taken their knowledge to the next level. They’ve completed an additional 4 years of university study, typically a master’s degree and a graduate certificate, specifically focused on sports physiotherapy. This extra training gives them a deep understanding of the demands placed on the body by different sports.
Here’s where a sports physio shines:
• Specialized Assessment: They go beyond the standard musculoskeletal assessment to analyse your technique in your specific sport. Imagine a tennis player with a sore shoulder. A sports physio would assess not just the shoulder joint, but also your serve technique to identify any biomechanical faults contributing to the injury.
• Return to Play Focus: Their goal is to get you back to your sport safely and effectively, which involves considering factors like:
o Load Management: Gradually increasing the stress on your body to prevent re-injury.
o Sporting Demands: Understanding the specific movements and forces involved in your sport.
o Treatment Strategies: Tailoring treatment plans to address your injury and improve your performance.
o Teamwork: Collaborating with coaches, athletic trainers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to your recovery.
Who Should You See?
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide who’s best suited for your needs:
See a Physiotherapist if:
• You have a general injury unrelated to sports, like a sore neck or a work-related backache.
• You’re unsure about the cause of your pain.
• You need help managing a chronic condition, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
• You want to improve your overall mobility and flexibility.
See a Sports Physiotherapist if:
• You have a sports-related injury, such as a sprained ankle, a pulled muscle, or a tendonitis.
• You want to improve your sports performance by optimizing your technique and movement patterns.
• You’re looking to return to your sport safely and quickly after an injury.
• You’re a competitive athlete who needs a comprehensive approach to injury prevention and recovery.
Still Unsure?
Don’t worry! Both physios and sports physios can provide initial consultations. A physiotherapist can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve them treating you directly or referring you to a sports physio if your needs are more specialized.
Book in with our Sports Physio Josh Banky, or one of our team here of Physios , or call the clinic on 03 9596 7211 and our friendly reception team will work out who is best suited to your needs.
It is important to note that the specific interventions and strategies employed by any medical practitioner will depend on the individual’s unique needs. Each practitioner in a care team will work collaboratively with each other to provide comprehensive care and support for the individual.
If there is a part of your condition or injury that you are struggling to understand, be sure to seek clarification with your medical professional. None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always seek advice from your trusted medical professional regarding your health and/or medical conditions.