Physiotherapists play important role

Physiotherapists play an increasingly important role in international sport, not only in treating and preventing injury, but also in facilitating and supporting performance.

This is now widely acknowledged by many athletes and their coaches, and is evidenced by the number of athletes who specifically request to have their physiotherapists accredited during the Olympic Games.

Athletes need the highest quality of sports physiotherapy input to achieve their personal best.

Lead and manage

Physiotherapists have also advanced in terms of their ability to lead and manage teams. There are many examples of physiotherapists being appointed into management roles within medical teams – in some cases physiotherapists are being appointed as the chief medical officer of Olympic teams, where traditionally these roles have been carried out by a medical doctor.

It is expected that physiotherapists – due to their knowledge skills and capabilities – will enjoy even more opportunities to lead and manage in future.


Information from The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT).