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Sports physiotherapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Sports physiotherapists diagnose and treat sports injuries.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a sports physiotherapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a degree in physiotherapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You may be able to do a fast-track postgraduate course if you've got a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject like:

  • biological science
  • psychology
  • sports science

Once you have qualified and gained clinical experience you could specialise in sports injuries.

Competition for places on courses is strong. It will help if you have relevant healthcare experience before applying, for example as a physiotherapy assistant.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a physiotherapy assistant and do a part-time degree while you work, to qualify.

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting or personal care role.

Private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes and sports clinics may also offer work placements.

You could also look for relevant volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

Experience of working with a local amateur sports team or club will help you gain skills. Getting experience with elite athletes can be competitive, so proving your commitment at a recreational sport level first can be useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in sports physiotherapy from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Physios in Sport.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • knowledge of how the human body works
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to teach and motivate people
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll need:

  • a good understanding of sports training methods

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • examine and diagnose injuries
  • plan treatment programmes
  • use methods like manipulation, massage and electrotherapy
  • give advice on how to avoid sports injuries
  • keep records of patient's treatment and progress
  • give accurate timescales for when players may be able to play again

Working environment

You could work in a therapy clinic, in an NHS or private hospital, on a sports field or at a fitness centre.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time, you'll travel often and physically demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into management, teaching or research roles.

You could become self-employed or set up your own sports physiotherapy clinic.

Salaries in private practice and working with elite athletes may be much higher than average.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a sports physiotherapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Healthcare)

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Skelmersdale

Access to University and HE (Healthcare Professions)

  • Provider: EASTLEIGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2021
  • Location: Eastleigh
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