Sports therapeutics is becoming a big money game. With London winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics, interest is increasing in sports medicine and its allied health professionals. There are a wide range of sports injury specialists out there, so how do you know who to see and when?
Here are some sports injury specialists on offer in no particular order…
Doctor
What do they do? Anaylsis of injury in terms of musculoskeletal structure and biomechanics. Some hold further qualifications in Acupuncture. They mostly work in teams with physiotherapists to run Sports Injury Clinics. They can refer you to the right aftercare.
Qualifications: The details of all registered medical practitioners can be verified via the General Medical Council (GMC) and can be checked online. Many GPs are now developing an interest in Sports Medicine and some hold further qualifications in the subject (either Diploma or Masters Sports Medicine). Sports Medicine will soon become a recognised speciality in the UK… watch this space for further development over the next 8 years.
Physiotherapist
What do they do? Analysis of movement, structure and function of the body. Uses soft tissue techniques, including massage and manipulation; rehabilitation exercises, including injury specific programmes and core stability exercises; also use more specific treatments such as ultrasound therapy.
Most injuries respond well to physiotherapy. For any injury, including overuse injuries, physios can help assess the cause of the complaint, prescribe rehabilitation exercises and advise on further injury prevention.
Qualifications: Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) have had extensive training. The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine is for physiotherapists specialising in sports medicine.
Osteopath
What do they do?Diagnosis and treatment of compromised body biomechanics, function and posture; treatment involves soft tissue and joint manipulation and release techniques. For muscle and joint based problems. An osteopath aims to treat the problem and also it's underlying cause. Assessment usually looks at the range of motion, gait and musclular function.
Qualifications: Check for registration with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), who have strict guidelines for membership including comprehensive training at a recognised college of osteopathy.
Chiropractor
What do they do?Diagnosis of problems involving joints, bones, muscles and nervous system. Assessment focuses on the spinal cord and is commonly used to treat backache and headache. As the nervous system for the entire body arises from the spinal cord, problems elsewhere in the body may also respond to treatment.
Qualifications: Members of the British Chiropractic Association abide by a strict code of ethics. All chiropractors must be registered by law. See www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.
Kim's swollen ankle and foot - Ouch!!
|
Podiatrist
What do they do?Feet! Prevention and treatment of disorders and biomechanical abnormalities of the feet. Podiatrists see a variety of sports injuries including shin splints, knee pain, groin strains, back pain and foot problems. Many of these problems arise from biomechanical abnormalities of the foot, even if the problems arise elsewhere. Expect analysis of gait, biomechanics and foot function. Treatment includes: custom orthotics, strapping techniques and physical manipulation.
Qualifications: Member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (MChS), Fellow of the Societ of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (FChS), Fellow of the College of Podiatrists (FCPod), State registered podiatrist (SRCh).
Sports Massage Therapist
What do they do?Soft tissue manipulation, stretching and massage. There is limited formal scientific evidence to support the use of massage for improving sports performance or prevention of injury, but many people (including plenty of elite athletes) find it beneficial. Many even use it as a regular part of their training programme. Regular massage can aid recovery, help maintain muscular balance and aid the healing of muscular microtrauma before it leads to more serious injury. Massage also works well for rehabilitation from injury.
Qualifications: Members of the Sports Massage Association and Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage have had extensive training and achieve a high level of skill in order to achieve membership.
Many More…
There are many other allied health professionals available out there including: acupuncturists, homeopathists, aromatherapists, hypnotherapists, etc. They all have a role to play in sports performance or sports injuries although the roles vary widely. Following the top tips below should allow you peace of mind about the professional you see.
Remember that for the majority of sports injuries there is no quick fix! Successful return to sports performance requires patience (much easier said than done) and careful rehabilitation.
Top Tips
Check registration with a professional body, this ensures minimum training requirements have been satisfied.
If your practitioner is a member of the Health Professions Council (HPC) you can check their details online: www.hpc-uk.org.
Every practitioner should have their qualifications on display or available to view on request.
Word of mouth is a good way to find out about who is recommended in your local area.
Your GP may be able to advise about registered allied health professionals available in your locality.
Check the archive of Clinic articles written by Dr Kim Hurst.
DISCLAIMER: Advice and information is provided via SheCycles.com Clinic on a free of charge basis as a supportive service to women in sport. It should not replace the use of your General Practitioner for medical problems.
Copyright 2006
Dr K Hurst
