Sports therapist
Help people overcome injuries and take part in professional sport safely and effectively.
About the job
What it's like
You would help people to take part in professional sport safely and effectively. You’d help them overcome injuries and get back to top performance.
You would help sports professionals prepare for training and competitions so they will be able to do their best.
You’d work with the athletes to prevent injuries, using techniques such as:
Testing their fitness levels
Doing exercises to strengthen muscles
Checking they do an effective warm-up
Improving their cool-down routine after exercise
You’d help your clients understand more about their body and how to look after it so they can meet the demands of their sport.
If one of the sportsmen or women you work with is injured you’d work with them on a rehabilitation programme to safely get them back up to optimum fitness.
You would:
Suggest specific exercises for the person
Do sports massage
Manipulate and move their muscles and joints
Use physiotherapy techniques
Schedule sessions of hydrotherapy, or sessions in a sauna or steam room
Refer them to a physiotherapist or doctor for specialist treatment.
It would be important to encourage them to continue with their treatment even when they may be frustrated about the progress of their recovery or anxious about their career.
Sometimes you might be required to give first aid to sportsmen and women on the spot at matches and events.
You’d work closely with coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists.
Hours
You may have to work in the evenings or at weekends to suit your clients. You may also have to go to matches and other events at the weekend.
Environment
Some exercises would involve working outside with your clients. You may also have to attend outdoor events.
Travel
You may have to travel to competitions anywhere in the country or overseas.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- rehabilitation
- sports massage
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- social conscience
- empathising
- observation
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- resilience
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
There are no set qualifications for this role. Many sports therapists have an HND (SCQF Level 8), a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in subjects like:
Sports development
Sports science
Physiotherapy
Another route is through an osteopathic or chiropractic qualification.
You would complete a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists.
Only qualified physiotherapists can work as sports therapists with the National Health Service (NHS).
You can enter a Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11), you will require a degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate understanding of sports, exercise and diet such as Sports Leaders UK Award or Skills for Work Sports & Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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