What-are-sports-physiotherapists-actually-doing

What we actually do – a look behind the scenes

🧰 1. be prepared: Competition, training, everyday life

Sports physiotherapists are often the first port of call for pain, injuries or questions about training and regeneration. The “caregiver kit” not only contains tapes and bandages, but also knowledge: about acute care, first aid, load control and healing processes

Typical situations:

• Acute ankle trauma (inversion trauma) → PEACE & LOVE instead of just the PECH rule
• Concussion → Return-to-play protocol (RTP-C) in stages
• Minor injuries → Care directly on the edge of the pitch

🏁 2. competition preparation – with a plan and prevention

Warming up is not the same as warming up. A targeted, sport-specific warm-up prepares the cardiovascular system, the neuromuscular system and the psyche for exercise

We use, among other things:

• FIFA 11+ for injury prevention in team sports
• OSTRC Shoulder Programs for shoulder loads e.g. in handball
• Prep Moves to control sport-specific movement patterns

🎯 3. functional bandages & tape – more than just “gluing”

Taping protects, stabilizes and activates – in a targeted manner. We use it to:

• First aid directly after a trauma,
• Prevention for unstable joints or high loads,
• Therapy support in the rehabilitation phase

What counts:

• not simply “taping”, but with a well-founded indication
• Observe technique, material science, allergies and psychological effect

♻️ 4. Regeneration – the (often underestimated) superpower

Performance is created during the break – when regeneration is taken seriously. We work with:

• Sports massages (activating before the competition, regenerative afterwards),
• Cool-down, sleep management, nutrition
• Methods such as cold baths, compression or power naps
• psychophysical observations and monitoring
• Education about sleep, relaxation techniques if necessary and remedies such as melatonin sprays

More than rehab – we think sport-specific

Sports physiotherapists analyze sports in detail:

• What stresses occur?
• Where do injuries often occur?
• Which movement patterns need targeted control?

The type of sport analysis (incl. load and risk profile) is the basis for preventive programs – such as sensorimotor training, strength training or specific screening tests

A team player in the sports system

Sports physiotherapy is not a one-woman show. We work on an interdisciplinary basis with:

• Doctors (e.g. for diagnostics or medication),
• Trainers (e.g. for re-integration into training),
• Psychologists (e.g. for fear avoidance after injuries),
• Sports scientists (e.g. for monitoring and diagnostics).

In short: sports physiotherapy is…

🩺 … evidence-based and sport-specific
🧠 … biopsychosocial and performance-oriented
💬 … preventative, reactive and reflective
🤝 … interdisciplinary and empathetic
🏋️‍♀️ … from the tape to the training plan

Conclusion: If you do sport, you deserve top-level support

Whether professional, ambitiousrecreational athleteor junior athletein – sports physiotherapistWe offer individual, well-founded and holistic care. We keep you healthy, make you strong – and are there when you need us.