How To Become a Football Physio

Introduction

In England, football physiotherapists undergo a rigorous educational and professional journey to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field. The following article details the typical training and qualifications that are required.

Initial Physiotherapy Training

Becoming a football physio, involves undertaking initial physiotherapy training, acquiring some football experience and deciding what route you will take after completing your undergraduate degree;

Undergraduate Degree: The first step is to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from a recognised university. This program typically lasts three years and covers a broad range of topics related to human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation.
Acquiring Football Experience: It is important to obtain some experience working in a football setting to develop further understanding of the job role and to explore whether it is a setting that you would like to pursue working in. This is usually done by either completing an internship at a professional or semi-professional club or undertaking a clinical placement at a football club.
Postgraduate Rotations: After qualifying as a physiotherapist, most people are encouraged to undertake rotations in the NHS to obtain further experience in the core physio areas of musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, and medical practice. It is widely recognised that completing the core rotations provides excellence clinical experience and mentorship for newly qualified physio’s. However not all physiotherapists undertake this route and some pursue a career straight into professional football after completing their undergraduate degree.

Read Also

The Role of a Football Physio

Physiotherapy Assessment for Football Injuries

Specialising in Football Physiotherapy

In order to work in professional football physiotherapist’s usually undertake further CPD qualifications, emergency medical care training and often postgraduate study.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Football physios are expected to engage in continuous learning and development throughout their careers. They attend workshops, conferences, and courses to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in sports physiotherapy. Common CPD courses include training in treatment room techniques such as sports massage, taping and acupuncture or rehabilitation methods such as strength and conditioning.
Emergency Medical Care Course (ITMMiF and ATMMiF): In addition to the core physiotherapy training, football physios are required to complete an emergency medical course accredited by the Football Association (FA). These courses provide specific knowledge and skills relevant to the management of football-related injuries, pitch-side first aid, and emergency medical care.
Postgraduate Degree: Many football physio’s undertake further education by completing a masters degree in areas such as sport’s injury management or strength and conditioning. Some football physio’s also progress to complete a PhD in a particular area of interest.

Professional Registrations

In addition to these formal qualifications, football physio’s usually have professional registrations and memberships with different bodies. This typically includes;

Registration with HCPC: Upon graduation, aspiring football physios must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is the regulatory body for healthcare professionals in England. Registration ensures that practitioners meet the required standards of competence, conduct, and ethics.
Chartered Membership with CSP: The next step is to become a chartered member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). This membership indicates that the physiotherapist has met the professional standards set by the CSP and is committed to ongoing professional development.
Football Medical & Performance Association Membership (FMPA): Many football physio’s also obtain membership of the FMPA. The FMPA is a representative body for medical and performance practitioners that work in football. It provides regular CPD training and provides legal cover for it’s members, which is suited to the unique demands of professional football.

Conclusion

By completing these educational and professional requirements, football physios in England are equipped with the necessary expertise to provide high-quality care to football players, ensuring their safety, well-being, and optimal performance.

Please note that the specific training and qualifications may vary in different countries, but the underlying goal remains the same – to ensure that football physios have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the unique demands of the sport.

Our Services