Sports Therapy is 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.
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Sports Therapy in the following subject areas:
There are many courses in Sports Therapy that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. You don't necessarily need to be, or have been, an athlete or player, although many in the profession do come from this background. However, experience in coaching and fitness training is highly recommended as you'll need to have knowledge of different sporting disciplines in order to provide suitable treatment.
Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
After completing a Sports Therapy course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of sporting injuries, treatment, rehabilitation and support, and advice on prevention.
As a Sports Therapist, your role will be to provide an immediate response when sport and exercise-related injuries occur and rehabilitate the patient back to full fitness. You will also provide advice and support to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Patients can be adults or children who are involved in sport or fitness at amateur or professional level, or for general fitness and recreational purposes.
If injuries or health-related issues go beyond your scope of practice, you'll refer the patient to an appropriate healthcare professional. Most sports therapists are typically employed by sports injury clinics, professional and amateur sports teams or clubs, health and fitness clubs and sports and leisure centres. Some sports therapists will also work in other sport-related roles such as teaching, coaching or personal training.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. You'll usually work around 37 hours a week, although the hours are often irregular. Evening and weekend work is common.
If you work with a sports team, you need to be available for weekend fixtures and seven days a week during the season. The role may include regular travel to fixtures, meetings and other events. If working with sports teams you may need to travel nationally and possibly internationally. It's also possible to set up and run a sports injury clinic and offer sport and exercise injury assessment and treatment sessions.
With experience, it may be possible to offer a consultancy service, e.g. for TV and film productions. As well as working as a sports therapist for a club or team, or in private practice, some sports therapists choose to move into a related area of work, such as fitness consulting, personal training or health promotion.
After completing a course in Sports Therapy you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Physiology, Fitness and Health or Nutrition.
What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy?
The role of the Physiotherapists is to help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.
Sports therapists are experts in musculoskeletal disorders. They treat pain and injury through hands-on treatment and rehabilitation. Sports Therapists undergo intensive training which focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system and on restoring, maintaining and maximising movement to relieve pain and increase the quality of life.
Where can I study Sports Therapy?
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