Sports Therapy Trevor Langford, Dip, HND, BSc (Hons), MSST Middlesbrough Football Club Teesside Sports Injury Centre

Academic Profile HND in applied Sport Science at the University of Teesside in 2005 gaining a distinction. BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy at Teesside in 2007 gaining a First Class Hons degree. Now doing MSc in Sport and Exercise at Teesside focusing on Sports Therapy related topics.

Current Employment Current Sports Therapist – Middlesbrough FC (Academy) Sports Therapist – Teesside Sports Injury Centre (TSIC) Fitness Trainer – University of Teesside Recent Sports Science support – Great Britain rowing squad Research assistant – University of Teesside (20 hours per week) Sports Therapist – Middlesbrough FC (reserves) - Voluntary

What is Sports Therapy Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. It utilizes the principles of sport and exercise sciences incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.

A Sports Therapist: Has the knowledge and ability to provide first aid and attend to injuries in a recreational, training and competitive environment. Has the knowledge and ability to assess and, where appropriate, refer on for specialist advice and intervention. Has the knowledge and ability to provide sports massage pre and post activity. Has the knowledge and ability to implement appropriate rehabilitation programmes. Has the knowledge to utilize sports and exercise principles to optimize preparation and injury prevention programmes.

Specialist Areas Anatomy and physiology Field work Examination and assessment of an injury Soft tissue manipulation (including sports massage) Peripheral and spinal mobilisations Biomechanics and movement analysis Treatment using electrotherapeutic modalities Rehabilitation specific to functional requirements Psychological aspects of sporting injuries

Sports Therapy Common Questions ‘Shall I do Physiotherapy because I can gain chartered status through the health professions council (HPC), although I ultimately want to work within sport’? ‘Will the job opportunities increase for graduate Sports Therapists’? ‘Can I call myself a Sports Therapist if I have completed a weekend course or a diploma’? ‘Will the Society of Sports Therapists gain recognition by the Health Professions Council’?

HPC Regulation In May 2006 the Health Professions Council (HPC) formally agreed that Sports Therapy should be regulated in the interests of public protection. Regulation by the Health Professions Council will change the way the public perceive Sports Therapy. Possible recognition by private health insurers. Protection for the public by ensuring that Therapists are graduate Sports Therapists. Although it is not likely to happen until around 2011-2012. The growth of institutions offering a Sports Therapy degree programme clearly reflects the popularity of the need for Sports Therapy to be regulated by the HPC.

Current Institutions University of Teesside * University of Chichester * University of Huddersfield University of North London * Newcastle College University of central Lancashire Leeds Metropolitan Coventry University University College Birmingham University of Bath Edge hill University University of Hertfordshire * University of Kent University of Worcester * In 2003 only 4 institutions ran a Sports therapy Course. Phenomenal growth in 5 years.

Job Opportunities To work in a clinic doing: Musculoskeletal screening Rehabilitation of acute/chronic injuries Prehab (preventing injuries from occurring) To work with a team/athlete Immediate management of acute injuries Same as the above Work at sporting events performing pre/post event massage.

Advice to graduate Sports Therapists Develop the ability to network and create contacts. Gain further qualifications i.e. Fitness instructor certificate. There is always somebody younger with more qualifications pushing you further. Offer your services and become recognised in your region. Show enthusiasm to work in your field. Get out and market yourself. Don’t go down a different line until Sports Therapy jobs opportunities arise as there are already jobs out there, you just need to get out there. Examine and assess as many different injuries as possible. Attend conferences to develop networks nationally.

Advice to prospective students Seek some practical and field experience to make sure you want to work in sport as opposed to allied health. Does the University offer a clinical work placement. If so look at the potential work placements near to the University of choice prior to commencing the course. Research the facilities on offer i.e. The learning resource centre, rehabilitation facilities and isokinetic equipment. Do other courses to compliment the Sports Therapy qualification.

Personal Qualities Required

Future Plans Work as a Lecturer in Sports Therapy at a higher education institute. Become more involved at MFC, TSIC and GB rowing. Interested and keen to do a PhD in the prevention of Sports Injuries. Keen to undertake BASES accreditation . Attend further courses and conferences related to the treatment and management of sports injuries.

Any Questions? Please feel free to contact me at t.langford@tees.ac.uk Society of Sports Therapists http://www.society-of-sports-therapists.org/