Sports therapist
Help people overcome injuries and take part in professional sport safely and effectively.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£460
Average
Monthly
£1,993
Average
Yearly
£23,920
Average
2,300
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would help people to take part in professional sport safely and effectively. You’d help them overcome injuries and get back to top performance.
You would help sports professionals prepare for training and competitions so they will be able to do their best.
You’d work with the athletes to prevent injuries, using techniques such as:
Testing their fitness levels
Doing exercises to strengthen muscles
Checking they do an effective warm-up
Improving their cool-down routine after exercise
You’d help your clients understand more about their body and how to look after it so they can meet the demands of their sport.
If one of the sportsmen or women you work with is injured you’d work with them on a rehabilitation programme to safely get them back up to optimum fitness.
You would:
Suggest specific exercises for the person
Do sports massage
Manipulate and move their muscles and joints
Use physiotherapy techniques
Schedule sessions of hydrotherapy, or sessions in a sauna or steam room
Refer them to a physiotherapist or doctor for specialist treatment.
It would be important to encourage them to continue with their treatment even when they may be frustrated about the progress of their recovery or anxious about their career.
Sometimes you might be required to give first aid to sportsmen and women on the spot at matches and events.
You’d work closely with coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Sports therapist'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Acupuncturist Aromatherapist Homeopath Hypnotherapist Naturopath Reflexologist
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
There are no set qualifications for this role. Many sports therapists have an HND (SCQF Level 8), a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in subjects like:
Sports development
Sports science
Physiotherapy
Another route is through an osteopathic or chiropractic qualification.
You would complete a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.
Only qualified physiotherapists can work as sports therapists with the National Health Service (NHS).
You can enter a Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11), you will require a degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of sports, exercise and diet such as Sports Leaders UK Award or Skills for Work Sports & Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.
