An APA Sports Physiotherapist is a highly qualified professional with expert knowledge and skills in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries. 

An APA Sports Physiotherapist has completed a least four year of university studies and has a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, crisis management, assessment and treatment of joint and muscle conditions.  In addition, an APA Sports Physiotherapist has undertaken further studies specifically in the management of sport injuries.

 An APA Sports Physiotherapist is  member of the Australian Physiotherapist Association (APA) and is bound by its professional Code of Conduct.  They  have undergone a rigorous selection process to ensure that they have the level of experience and knowledge to be awarded the title.

 Today the title serves as the professional mark of distinction for physiotherapists practising in the field of sports physiotherapy.

 APA Sports Physiotherapists

 APA Sports Physiotherapist treat sports people of all ages and abilities, recreational to elite athletes, athletes with disabilities, teams and individuals.

 An APA  Sports Physiotherapist can:

• Optimise your return to sports after injury

• Resolve chronic pain and prevent further injury

• Enhance your sporting performance and sports technique          

•  Increase your flexibility, muscle control and strength

APA  Sports Physiotherapist are highly trained and experienced in:

•  Crisis management, enabling them to take immediate care of injuries on the field—all have Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid certificates

•  Providing skilled diagnosis of sporting injuries

•  Correcting muscle imbalances and posture

•   Prescribing exercises  programs for specific injuries

•  Biomechanical analysis of sports technique to improve sports performance and prevent injury

•   Providing education  about injury management, prevention and  maximising sporting performance

•   Designing stretching programs for teams and individuals

•   Advising on appropriate warm up, cool down and recovery programs

•   Providing musculoskeletal screening and injury prevention programs

•   The provision and co-ordination of physiotherapy coverage at sporting events from club to international competitions

 APA  Sports Physiotherapists work closely with coaches and exercise scientist to ensure a co-ordination approach to optimise your performance. They also liaise with other members of the health care team, including sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, medical practitioners, sports nutritionists, podiatrists and massage therapists.

 APA Sports physiotherapists emphasise 'hands on' management of  your sporting condition.

The APA Sports Physiotherapist Program

 The APA Sports Physiotherapist  Program was developed over many years by Sports Physiotherapy Australia.

 The program has been welcomed enthusiastically by physiotherapists and users of sport physiotherapy services, including sporting organisations, medical practitioners and the community. It has been important in:

•  Formally recognising physiotherapists with postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in sports physiotherapy

•  Establishing and maintaining high standards in postgraduate and specialist sports physiotherapy education in Australia

•  Advancing sports physiotherapy by encouraging further education, teaching and research

•   Promoting quality assurance in sports physiotherapy in the community

•   APA Sports Physiotherapists are appointed to the Australian Olympic Team

 The selection process

 Physiotherapists applying for the APA Sports Physiotherapist title pass the program's strict entry requirements.

 Successful applicants must participate in a professional development program to continue to use this title.  This ensures that they maintain a high level of up-to-date knowledge and clinical skills.

 How to find out more

 For details on APA  Sports Physiotherapists in your area contact the APA at the  address provided below.

 A doctor’s referral is only necessary for physiotherapy if claiming from sports or motor vehicle insurance, or worker’s compensation.

Rebates are available from private health funds.

 APA Sports Physiotherapy Australia PO Box 6465 ST KILDA ROAD CENTRAL, VICTORIA 3000

Telephone:  03 9534 9400

Fax:             03 9534 9199

Email: spa@physiotherapy.asn.au