Physio for Rugby Team

[lazyphysio]

I'm a newly qualified physio, just looking for my first permanent job. I have just been offered to work as a physio/first aider for a rubgy team a couple of days a week, which is excellent oppertunity for me to gain some experience. Only thing is, I'm a bit sceptical about taking on the role because I've not worked in sports before! I don't know what to expect e.g. they have asked me to come in early pre-match to prep the players - I don't know what this will involve - strapping?

I don't want to look stupid in front of them, so some heads up would be GREATLY appreciated! Esp since there will be no other physio there.

Also, they have asked me to negotiate a pay - any ideas what the going rate is??

Thanks

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[physiobob]

Suggest taking a Level 1 sports physio course if there's any about. There are a lot of basics you need to know, especially formulating an onfield assessment. The old TOTAPS approach (Touch, Observe, Talk, Active, Movement, Passive Movement, Skill Test).

The Physio Shop has a few useful pocket books for this. Here's a few ideas

Pocket Book of Taping
Field Guide To Fracture Management
The 5-Minute Sports Medicine Consult
Sports Emergencies - Management Scenarios
Atlas of Living & Surface Anatomy for Sports Medicine with DVD

[robsmith1234]

It usually does involve strapping as rugby players do seem to love taping every part of their bodies up. So it would be advised to learn ankles, knees, wrist, hands and shoulders or at least refresh them.
In terms of pre-game treatment they usually come to you with small problems that trigger point therapy works well. I would say that if you have a massage qualification use it as players do get grumpy if you dont give them a quick rub as well (they are a sensitive bunch).
In terms of on field treatment I would agree with Phyiso bob and say try adn work out a on pitch protocol for assessing each player.
You will find that it is just nerves as well as you will know more than the players anyway some do know a little bit but you shouldnt worry its always a learning experience, they will know it adn you will know it.
In terms of prices it all depends how high in the league's the club is and how far you have to travel most clubs where I live charge around £50- £75 per week this is for national midlands 3 in england but if you can get more go for it.
Hope this helps. If you have any further questions feel free to ask

[lazyphysio]

Thanks for your replies physiobob and robsmith1234.

I was looking into doing a sports first aid course - I'm assuming that will cover most things I would need to know? Also, I don't have a massage qualification as such, but surely a rub down to warm up muscles would be ok to do anyway?

I was looking at the book on taping (the one physiobob suggested) and am considering buying it. I haven't had much experience with strapping so it will probably be of advantage. Is that the best book on taping though?

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hi friend
i would like to add up over here as this guys said should go for it and necessary to see the fitness level design program for each player both cardio and weight training then design them to fullfil the requirement and make them eligible for each and eveything don't keep any weak point

[robsmith1234]

Ok I would say a book is good for learning a bit more of the basics but you should alweays have someone to try these out on as practice does make perfect in these situations. In terms of books as well I would say for the price the pocket book would be the best option. You can also have a look at different videos on different websites which give you a better understanding about how to tape.
Just make sure that you have some of your own supplies to try out on as long as the book has the closed basket weave for the ankle you should be fine as the others are almost the same in aspects. I would say if you are still unsure check out different strapping adn tapping courses avaliable to you as these are invaluable.