Frequently asked questions Sport, fitness and wellbeing

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is sports therapy?
What is a sports therapist?
Isn’t sports therapy just for elite athletes?
In what settings do sports therapists work?
What treatments can I expect?
Can I book for a sports massage?
Will I need to bring anything with me?
What should I wear?
What happens if I forget my shorts?
How long will each treatment be?
What should I do between treatments?
How many treatments will I need?
How long before I can return to sport?
Will it hurt?

Q. What is sports therapy?
A. The Society of Sports Therapists describes sports therapy as: "an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. It utilises the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work."

Q. What is a sports therapist?
A. A sports therapist is a professional who will use a variety of treatment and rehabilitation techniques with the aim of returning the athlete back to full functional fitness for their safe return to sport.

Q. Isn’t sports therapy just for elite athletes?
A. Not at all. Even occasional recreational individuals can benefit from the treatments offered by sports therapists.

Q. In what settings do sports therapists work?
A. Sports therapists work with a variety of individuals and teams, ranging from elite athletes, through to ‘weekend warriors’ and to those who are just venturing into sport and exercise. They may be found working in sports injury clinics or alongside sports teams/athletes.

Q. What treatments can I expect?
A. There is a range of tools and techniques available to the sports therapist. During your session these may include: manual therapy, joint mobilisation, sports massage, electrotherapy, rehabilitation, initial first aid, strengthening and conditioning, core stability, strapping and taping.

Q. Can I book for a sports massage?
A. Due to the nature of the clinic being a training clinic for our sports therapy students we currently do not offer this service on its own, as the focus of the training is for diagnosing and treating sports injuries. However, if it is required as part of your treatment, then it may be used by your therapist.

Q. Will I need to bring anything with me?
A. See also What should I wear? You may wish to bring in any x-rays of your injury if you have them, and any medication (prescription and non-prescription) you are currently taking whether related to the injury or not. This is required as medications can have a bearing on the treatment provided. All personal details will be kept confidential.

Q. What should I wear?
A. It is advised to wear comfortable sports clothing and trainers for rehabilitation sessions. Wear shorts if you expect a treatment on your lower limbs. If you have long hair you may need something to tie it up with. If you do not have shorts or you forget them, don’t worry, we can still carry out the session. It may also be useful to bring along any trainers you would usually wear whilst participating in your sport.

Q. What happens if I forget my shorts?
A. Don’t worry, the student sports therapists are skilled in using towel techniques to ensure modesty and comfort is maintained at all times. Your consent will be sought before any treatment begins.

Q. How long will each treatment be?
A. Each treatment session will last a maximum of one hour, but may be shorter depending on the treatment required according to the stage of your injury.

Q. What should I do between treatments?
A. At the end of your treatment you may be given home advice or exercises to carry out before your next treatment session. By following this advice you will be helping yourself to recover from your injury.

Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. This varies considerably according to the severity of the injury, how the individual responds to the treatments provided, and if the prescribed home advice/rehabilitation has been completed.

Q. How long before I can return to sport?
A. This really depends on the severity of your injury. Your sports therapist will be able to offer advice on your return to sport based on your response to the treatment and your adherence to your rehabilitation program.

Q. Will it hurt?
A. Some of our treatments are aimed at inducing an inflammatory response in order to promote healing. This may cause a little discomfort. However, if this is the case, then you will be advised before the treatment, and what action to take after the treatment to minimise the effects.