Sports therapist
Job description
Sports therapists help sportspeople and athletes to prepare physically and mentally for competition. They provide advice on how to avoid injury as well as rehabilitation and appropriate treatments if and when the athlete is injured. A sports therapist may work with an individual or a single team. They often have a number of clients and offer sports therapy amongst various other sports-related disciplines.
Work activities
- Advising about stretching and warming up exercises.
- Giving first aid and administering treatments for minor injuries.
- Deciding if and when injured athletes and players are fit to continue participating.
- Examining and assessing injuries.
- Advising about nutrition, diet and lifestyle.
- Collaborating with trainers and coaches on injury prevention programmes.
- Referring individuals to appropriate specialists for further treatment.
Work conditions
Travel: National and international travel is necessary for sports therapists working with professional teams and athletes.
Working hours: vary according to the position. Weekend and evening fixtures are a feature of sporting seasons. Part-time work is an option.
Location: Sports clinics, teams and gyms are located across Ireland.
Entry requirements and training
Any form of sports therapy training currently enables an individual to practise therapy. Some positions require a formal qualification and experience. Courses are available for non-graduates, undergraduates and graduates at a number of institutions and colleges, including the Institute of Massage and Sports Therapy and the Portobello Institute.
Further information
Website carrying job advertisements
sportjobsireland.com/employers
www.holisto.com/jobs/
www.physiobob.com/
Professional bodies
The Irish Association of Physical Therapists (IAPT)
Sports Therapy Ireland
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
Medical Council
Irish Sports Council
Sport Northern Ireland