Sports therapist
Help people overcome injuries so they can take part in professional sport safely and effectively.
About the job
What it's like
Do you live and breathe all things sport and performance? In this job, you'll help amateur or professional athletes take part in sport safely and effectively.
Sports therapists support people as they overcome injuries – nurturing them back to top performance. You'll work with sports professionals who are trying to capture their best form as they prepare to compete.
You'll use a range of techniques to help athletes prevent injuries. For example, you may test people's fitness levels, do exercises to strengthen muscles or lead them through an effective warm-up. You could also help athletes improve their cool-down routine after exercise.
Sports therapists help clients understand their body's mechanics and how to look after it. This'll allow them to meet the physical demands of their sport and reach their peak performance regularly.
You'll often treat athletes when they're injured. In this situation, you'll work with them on a rehabilitation programme that'll get them back to optimal fitness. Sometimes, you'll give first aid to athletes at matches or events.
Sports therapists encourage athletes to continue with treatment – even when they're frustrated at the progress of their recovery or anxious about their career.
Your tasks might include:
suggesting specific exercises for the person you're working with
giving sports massages
advising athletes on warm-ups, stretching, strength training and safe exercise techniques
manipulating and moving someone's muscles and joints to increase their range of movement
using a variety of physiotherapy techniques
referring clients to other sports professionals for specialist treatment, such as a physiotherapist or doctor
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The Society of Sports Therapists (SST) – explore the leading organisation for sports therapists in the United Kingdom
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- social conscience
- empathising
- observation
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- resilience
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Care
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Human Biology
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PE (Physical education)
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Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
Most sports therapists have a degree.
If you want to work as a sports therapist with the National Health Service (NHS), you need a physiotherapy degree.
Degrees in other subjects are relevant if you're aiming to work in private practice.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Sports Therapy
Physiotherapy
Degrees in areas like Sport and Exercise Science and Applied Sports Science are also relevant. However, you may need to complete a postgraduate qualification or additional training to work as a sports therapist.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees across Scotland.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Sports Therapy
Fitness, Health and Exercise
Applied Sports Science
Sports Coaching and Development
Health and Fitness
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.
Getting relevant work experience will help you stand out when applying for courses and jobs. Even working in a sports-based admin role, like a receptionist at a sports injuries clinic, is useful experience.
You should contact local employers to ask for work experience or explore opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
All sports therapists must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
You'll need a valid first aid certificate and it's important you keep it up to date throughout your career.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Sports therapist'
