How to become a Sports Physio?

I really want to become a sports physio but not sure exactly how to get there. I understand that you must obviously complete the undergard Physiotherapy degree but unsure what happens next. Is it then necessary to do a masters in sports injuries? Once qualified, would you be able to just join a sports clinic and learn your trade there? From what I have heard, most grads do a while in the hospital to gain experience before specialising in their area of choice. I don't really see how hospital experience would be very relevent to sports injuries however. Would you not be better off trying to get work with a sports team or clinic? Can someone shed some light on the whole thing?

i wouldnt call myself a sports physio just yet as im still a junior but i have a strong interest in sports. i did a sport science degree first and my physio masters after which only took 2 years so i have some sport background.I did part time work with semi professional sports teams during my studies and learnt A LOT regarding sport physio compared to at uni.

Although hospital settings may not seem relevant to sports, you will definately gain so much experience in normal outpatients departments for example. You get to see pathologies and learn treatment which you will see and treat in sport settings. Working in say an orthopaedics ward too gives you the experience to work with injuries which you may see at later stages usually if your only working ina clinic so it gives you a broader insight into the conditions.
Im currently trying to find work within hospitals full time rather than anything else as i feel that I want that experience to have a wide knowledge base.

Most professional clubs expect you to have at least completed your junior rotations before they'll look at you. You're right, most physios do something sport-based if their interested in it (football, athletics, tennis clubs etc all like to have a physio around) but you cant replace the experience you get in hospitals in terms of being a well rounded physio.

My advice? Pursue it as a hobby, do lots of post grad courses like taping, massage etc and find a club who will pay a bit (my current club pays 100 a week, plus i've just started doing some voluntary stuff with a premiership club's academy) and find a nice hospital job if you can. Then when you've done your rotations etc you can start looking for a position with a pro club.

Saying that I've heard of a couple of people who have walked straight into high level professional football, its not totally unheard of, i just think there are better ways

Hi Frogg6,

What the guys say above is true, gaining experience in the field of sports physiotherapy is important. With regards to doing a hospital rotation, I have talked to many physiotherapists who have had success in their career through both pathways (I know that's sitting on the fence).

My advice, follow your passion (no disrespect to the advice of others). If it truly is in sports - go there - otherwise you might find that you waste a year of your life.

Another thing to remember, is the importance of continuing professional development. Following undergrad completion you should do as many sports related courses feasible.

For a bit more info on the world of sports physio you can also check out the link below.

Hope this helps,

The Sports Physiotherapist

Hi frogg6- I shall try to give you as much info as possible based on my own experience and what I know of ways to get there.

Depending what you want to do in an undergrad degree, you can then go and do a masters or straight into work.
If you do a physio (hons) grad degree, then I'd follow the advice of everyone else and try as get as much work experience during your free time OTHER THAN GIVEN PLACEMENTS AS PROVIDED ON YOUR COURSE, in the NHS, during your study.
I'd look into as many sports-specialist courses as possible, and even try local (non-professional) teams for voluntary work.

You can also choose then if you want to do a sports physio/therapy masters.
Same goes if you do a sports science/medicine undergrad, then do a physio/sp physio/ sp therapy masters.

I did a Sports Therapy (hons) degree and whilst at uni I voluntarily worked with clubs at uni doing pitch-side first aid, worked at a local physio practice, a local sports injury clinic, then progressed in 2nd yr to a local football club, by 3rd year i was working with 2 local football clubs, uni teams, local rugby club, basketball and american football club.
It's good to note that unlike physio degrees, you generally have to go and find your own experience.

Post uni, I yet again worked in more clubs and clinics, mainly voluntarily, worked in two football academies, with a premiership reserve team, and now work as a head therapist in the FA, work with a mens and womens football club, rugby union club, in my own practice, and within a national sports institute. Hard work and experience will pay off!

Oh and if you want to work in sport, make sure you do a sports massage course, and do a pitch-side/sports first aid course as otherwise you're not legitimately covered to work in clubs.