This document provides information about sports/fitness therapy. It discusses the history and areas of focus in sports psychology, including peak performance and injury rehabilitation. It defines sports therapy and the role of a sports therapist, outlining techniques they use like massage, taping, and rehabilitation programs. The document also covers the health benefits of physical activity in reducing risks of conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer. It provides information on the job of a sports therapist, including assessing injuries, treating players, and designing rehabilitation programs. Finally, it discusses resources from the Association for Applied Sports Psychology regarding professional development, health and fitness, athletes, and injury rehabilitation.
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Sport and Health/ fitness therapy
Sport and fitness psychology focuses on research, theory, and practice intended to improve
performance in sport and exercise settings. Researchers in the field attempt to understand how
psychological factors affect motor performance and how participation in physical activity affects
psychological development. Practitioners are concerned with the effects of social and
psychological interventions on the well–being of athletes, teams, coaches, parents, spectators,
trainers, exercisers, and participants engaged in physical activities.
Issues Sports Psychology Focus On:
General areas of interest include peak performance, managing stress and anxiety, managing
mood, rehabilitation from injury, exercise adherence, and health promotion. Areas of scientific
inquiry include understanding the psychological motivation to attain a goal and endure;
psychological ramifications as a result of injuries; counseling techniques with athletes; assessing
talent; exercise adherence and well-being; one‟s one view of achieving; expertise in sport; youth
sport; coaching technique; and methods that increase performance and techniques for self-
regulating.
History of Sports / Fitness Psychology
Sport and fitness psychology dates back more than 100 years. Coleman Griffith, in his era (1921-
1938), was the first American to specialize in the discipline. The academic discipline of sport
psychology began to be established in the time frame 1966-1977, within physical education
departments. From 1978-2000, there was tremendous growth in the field as it became more
known and respected by the public. Since 2000, the field has grown worldwide, research has
grown in diversity, and application and consulting have flourished. It used to be the perception
that only elite and Olympic athletes utilized the services of sport psychologists. Today, elite
athletes, college and high school athletes, and coaches utilize the services of sport psychologists
in order to increase enjoyment and improve performance. Fitness and exercise psychology is
widely applied in physical activity settings by fitness specialists and trainers.
Training and Practice of Sports Psychology
Sport psychologists are competent in promoting best practices in mental training techniques.
They have knowledge of psychology and exercise and sport science. Clinical sport psychologists
are trained to address clinical issues such as mood disorders, substance abuse, and disordered
eating. Educational sport psychology specialists have training that allows them to deliver
knowledge of mental skills, but they do not treat emotional disorders.
What is Sports Therapy?
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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.
What is a Sports Therapist?
A Sports Therapist is a practitioner who:
• 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 programs.
• Has the knowledge to utilize sports and exercise principles to optimize preparation and injury
prevention programs.
In sport, a Sports Therapist helps injured athletes return to full performance, after injury. Injury
treatment varies according to the sport or activity involved. A qualified Sports Therapist advises
on prevention of injuries and can examine, assess and treat those that do occur, as well as helping
with the rehabilitation process.
What Techniques do Sports Therapists Use?
Techniques which are often used in treatment include:
Sports Massage
Electrotherapy (Ultrasound/Interferential/TENS)
Taping (Strapping)
Muscle stretching techniques (including muscle energy techniques)
Muscle strengthening
Core stability training
Proprioception training
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Health, Sport & Well-being
During recent decades, there has been a progressive decline in the level of physical activity in
people's daily lives in developed countries. For a majority of people, little physical effort is
involved any more in their work, domestic chores, transportation and leisure. Whilst specific
health risks differ between countries and regions, the fact remains that physical inactivity is a
major risk factor for most common non-communicable diseases and physical activity can
counteract many of the ill effects of inactivity.
Defining Health
One of the most widely-used definitions of health is that of the WHO, which defines health
as: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity”. This definition goes well beyond a condition of physical health but
includes mental health and general well-being.
Physical Activity and Health
Sport and physical activity has long been used as a tool to improve mental, physical and social
well-being. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor associated with a large number of lifestyle
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Sport projects that
specifically focus on health outcomes generally emphasize:
The promotion of healthy lifestyle choices among children and young people as well as
adults to combat inactivity;
The use of sport as a tool to raise awareness on communicable diseases in developing
countries, for example, through district or national health campaigns supported by
athletes and sports competitions;
The use of sport as a didactical tool to communicate vital health-related information to
„at risk‟ groups;
The use of sport to mobilize hard-to-reach groups as part of large-scale health
campaigns, including for example, communities with low population density;
Sport is considered to contribute to achieving mental health objectives, including
addressing depression and stress-related disorders.
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The Health Benefits of Sport and Physical Activity
Although research interest on physical activity and health dates back to the 1950s, the
breakthrough in the scientific evidence on health benefits of physical activity largely took
place during the 1980s and 1990s. There is an overwhelming amount of scientific
evidence on the positive effects of sport and physical activity as part of a healthy
lifestyle. The positive, direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are
particularly apparent in the prevention of several chronic diseases, including:
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and
osteoporosis.
The Report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development
and Peace states that young people can benefit from physical activity as it contributes to
developing healthy bones, efficient heart and lung function as well as improved motor
skills and cognitive function. Physical activity can help to prevent hip fractures among
women and reduce the effects of osteoporosis. Remaining physically active can enhance
functional capacity among older people, and can help to maintain quality of life and
independence.
Physical activity and psychosocial health
The WHO has estimated that “one in four patients visiting a health service has at least
one mental, neurological or behavioral disorder, but most of these disorders are neither
diagnosed nor treated”. A number of studies have shown that exercise may play a
therapeutic role in addressing a number of psychological disorders. Studies also
show that exercise has a positive influence on depression. Physical self-worth and
physical self-perception, including body image, has been linked to improved self-esteem.
The evidence relating to health benefits of physical activity predominantly focuses on
intra-personal factors such as physiological, cognitive and affective benefits, however,
that does not exclude the social and inter-personal benefits of sport and physical activity
which can also produce positive health effects in individuals and communities.
Sport and Physical Activity as part of a Healthy Lifestyle
A number of factors influence the way in which sport and physical activity impacts on
health in different populations. Sport and physical activity in itself may not directly lead
to benefits but, in combination with other factors, can promote healthy lifestyles. There is
evidence to suggest that changes in the environment can have a significant impact on
opportunities for participation and in addition, the conditions under which the activity is
taking place can heavily impact on health outcomes. Elements that may be determinants
on health include nutrition, intensity and type of physical activity, appropriate footwear
and clothing, climate, injury, stress levels and sleep patterns.
Sport and physical activity can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of
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people in developing countries. Exercise, physical activity and sport have long been used
in the treatment and rehabilitation of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Physical activity for individuals is a strong means for the prevention of diseases and for
nations is a cost-effective method to improve public health across populations.
Sport, Physical Activity and Risk Factors for Major Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease and stroke and are the leading causes of
death globally. Causes of cardiovascular disease are unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and
tobacco use. Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving glucose
metabolism, reducing body fat and lowering blood pressure.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease which occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin and
this may result in Type I or Type II diabetes. Diabetes may be prevented, or at least delayed, by
weight loss, a healthy lifestyle, in particular,regular physical activity. Diet, drug therapy and
physical activity are also major components of the treatment of diabetes.
Obesity
Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of fat that may impair health and unlike other diseases,
social and environmental factors play a significant role in defining obesity. The incidence of
obesity is a growing concern internationally with an estimated 400 million obese people in 2005.
The global rise in the incidence of obesity is related to a shift in diet and decreased physical
activity levels.
Cancer
Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment and in fact, there are over 200 types
of cancer involving abnormal growth of cells in different parts of the body. It has been estimated
that 40% of all cancers may be prevented by a healthy diet, physical activity and no tobacco use.
Mental health
One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioral
disorder (such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders) that may not be diagnosed or treated.
There is evidence to suggest thatphysical activity can reduce the symptoms of depression and can
also be help to ameliorate mental well-being through improved mood and self-perception.
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Sports therapist:Job description
Sports therapists give advice to athletes on how to train and compete safely, as well as treat
injuries and assist with rehabilitation. Their aim is to prevent injuries and to help those who are
injured to return to full fitness.
Sports therapy and rehabilitation is concerned with musculoskeletal conditions arising from
sporting activity, not with general healthcare. It focuses on understanding and preventing sports
injuries and dealing with the effects of physical and emotional trauma due to sports injuries.
Sports therapists may work in sports injuries clinics or may work directly with a sports club or
sportsperson, either professional or amateur. Many therapists combine working in this discipline
with other sports-related roles. They may have a range of clients and workplaces, rather than
being employed by one organization.
A similar job role is sports rehabilitator, as they also deal with musculoskeletal management and
exercise-based rehabilitation and fitness. They are regulated by British Association of Sport
Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT) who accredit individual sports rehabilitation course. The
course is three years long. However, the role is graduate level and is the course is only available
at seven further education institutions.
Typical work activities
A sports therapist may be involved in any or all of the following activities:
conducting an assessment of the players' or athletes' readiness and advising on exercises
prior to an event or fixture;
testing joints for ease and range of movement;
strapping, taping, offering massage and preparing players or athletes physically and
mentally;
providing first aid;
examining and assessing injuries and determining whether the athlete can continue playing
or taking part;
examining and assessing injuries and dealing with traumas, e.g. cuts, bruises and blisters;
treating injuries, alleviating pain, mobilising injuries, giving various types of massage;
rehabilitating injuries by using manipulative techniques, apparatus and electrotherapy;
designing and monitoring rehabilitation programmes appropriate to the injury and the sport;
deciding whether athletes or players need extra treatments and coordinating referrals to other
practitioners;
advising players or athletes on diet and nutrition (when therapists are appropriately trained);
working alone or with coaches, trainers and/or fitness advisers to implement exercise,
conditioning, core stability and injury prevention programmes, so that athletes reach and
maintain peak performance;
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liaising with other health professionals in the sports sector and in mainstream medicine.
Sports therapists give advice to athletes on how to train and compete safely, as well as treat
injuries and assist with rehabilitation. Their aim is to prevent injuries and to help those who are
injured to return to full fitness.
Sports therapy and rehabilitation is concerned with musculoskeletal conditions arising from
sporting activity, not with general healthcare. It focuses on understanding and preventing sports
injuries and dealing with the effects of physical and emotional trauma due to sports injuries.
Sports therapists may work in sports injuries clinics or may work directly with a sports club or
sportsperson, either professional or amateur. Many therapists combine working in this discipline
with other sports-related roles. They may have a range of clients and workplaces, rather than
being employed by one organization.
Association for applied sports psychology provides some remedies for health
care:
Professional Resources for Sport and Exercise Psychology
Professional development includes formal and informal means for improving current skills and
acquiring new skills. It provides students and professionals increased insights into their teaching,
research, consulting, and service in applied sport and exercise
psychology. Professional development should lead to professional
growth. It is an essential activity of professionals as well as students.
AASP promotes systemic, continued growth leading to professional
excellence.
Health & Fitness Resources
Why don‟t people exercise when they know it‟s good for them? Why do
so many people begin an exercise program, only to drop out after a few
weeks? What are the best ways to encourage people to become more
physically active?
The answers to these questions are complex, but have huge implications
for people‟s health and well-being, particularly in a society that is aging and concerned about
living longer andbetter.
CC's-AASP are working to better understand the factors that contribute to initial and sustained
involvement in physical activity across age groups, gender, ethnicity, and other individual
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difference factors. They are also interested in exploring the positive psychological outcomes
associated with exercise and physical activity. This information is vital to designing programs
that are most likely to motivate individuals to become more physically active, and to maintain
those positive behaviors over time.
Resources for Athletes
You are an athlete. You want to get the best possible performance from your talent and hard
work. You have good physical skills, impressive tactical knowledge,
and excellent fitness. But have you trained your mind?
CC-AASP services offers athletes at all levels of sport participation
an opportunity to add mental skills to your physical ones. For
example, you can learn to set effective goals, deal with wins and
losses, be a leader, concentrate better, be more confident,
stay composed under pressure, and enjoy your experiences in sport. Such skills are trainable and
controllable, and when executed, they can significantly increase the likelihood that your
performance will improve.
The information contained in this website will offer strategies you can use as you work toward
your sport goals. You might find that while you learn helpful strategies, additional assistance
may be needed. Working with a CC-AASP can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will
you learn skills to assist you in sport, they can be used in many life situations beyond sport.
Injury & Rehabilitation
No one wants to be injured. However, physically active people
are likely to sustain some type of injury due to their
involvement. National statistics reveal that about 10% of all
emergency room visits are the result of injury due to exercise or
sport. In children and adolescents, sport and exercise injuries
account for one third to one half of all emergency room visits.
The more serious the injury, the more likely that person will have strong emotional reactions to
that injury. These reactions include anger, fear, and feelings of helplessness. A CC-AASP can
help injured exercisers and athletes adjust to their temporary reduction in physical activity. Using
skills such as goal setting and imagery can help exercisers and athletes manage pain, adhere to
rehabilitation protocols, and increase confidence upon return to full participation.
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Resources for Coaches
Sport psychology offers a new realm of discovery for coaches and
athletes at all levels of sport. Coaches can apply sport psychology
principles to help improve team communication, cohesion, and
satisfaction. Through applying these principles, you can create an
atmosphere that can enhance athletes‟ learning, build their
confidence, and increase their motivation. Sport psychology also
offers strategies you can use to help athletes improve
concentration and maintain their composure under pressure. Such skills are trainable and
controllable, and when executed, they can increase the likelihood that team performance will
improve.
You also can learn skills that will help you, as the coach, to manage stress, control anxiety, and
maintain your composure. Creating an optimum team climate can lead to both you and your
athletes having more fun at practices, while also having more productive practices. The
information contained in this website will offer strategies you can use as you work toward your
team goals.
Resources for Parents
Being the parent of a child involved in sport participation can be
exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Sometimes it can be
frustrating and disappointing. How parents react during youth
sport events can make a big difference in how their children feel
about sport.
As a parent, you want your child to develop confidence, have
fun, learn new skills, develop friendships, cope with disappointment, and learn cooperation
through sport. You can help your child to have enjoyable and satisfying sport experiences. This
website will provide information about sport psychology that can help you reach this goal.
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Now I would like to compare the PT education and scope of practice 10 years
back with the current education and scope of practice:
10 years back 2012
Entry level education:BS,PT,not approved
curriculum from University grant
Commission/HEC and also not a uniformed
curriculum in the country, not known as
professional education in the GOVT as well as
in the private sector.
Entry level Education: DPT (5 years)+1 year
house job approved curriculum from HEC and
uniformed curriculum throughout the country
equivalency of 17 years of schooling (Like
PharmD,DVM,and MBBS) and recognized as
professional education in the GOVT as well as
in private sector.
Scope practice: Physical therapist has to
practice under physician’s supervision, a
dependent practioner not practioner of choice
Scope of practice: Practioner of choice, no
supervision needed, even in USA 33 states
allow direct access and very soon in England
limited prescription rights will be given to
them, a significant change in the scope of
practice from dependent to independent
practice.
No higher degree program in the country and
no proper service structure in the hospitals
and job opportunities were only limited to
hospitals. The role of physical therapist was
also limited to few musculoskeletal and
neuromuscular conditions.
Higher qualification available: Post
professional
DPT,MS,OMPT,MSPT,Mphil.PT,etc
Job opportunities in hospitals, private clinics.
Educational institutes, special education
centers, sports boards and research centers.
The Pakistan Navey for the first time offer
commissioned to the physiotherapists,
another job opportunity.
In Riphah even DPT graduates can pursue
M.Phil in all basic medical sciences (Anatomy,
Physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology)
and if the head of other institutes try they can
create the same opportunity in their
respective universities.
Physical therapist was not capable to assess
and diagnose and plan treatment
independently because the core
subjects(differential diagnosis, pharmacology
in rehab, Evidence based practice, Radiology
and imaging ect)
With the new curriculum physiotherapists are
capable to assess, diagnose and treat patients
independently and people trust them that
they are competent professionals. Private
independent practice has been improved
significantly.
2-3 institutes with limited seats but no jobs
and very few departments and institutes
heads were physical therapists. Majority of
26 institutes with 40-50 seats and a lot of job
opportunities, administrative jobs also
available in different institutes. A lot of
