‘No! I’m a Sports Therapist’
Up until and including the mid 1980’s, anyone running on to the field of play to treat an injury was referred to as the ‘trainer’ or even the ‘bucket and sponge man’, especially in football. However, since the late 1980’s that person is now referred to as the ‘physio’. The reason for this was, as more qualified Physiotherapists were being employed by professional football clubs, they objected to the title ‘trainer’ being used and pushed vociferously, to be referred to correctly. This title has subsequently been shortened to ‘physio’.
Whilst at that time, this was a positive step for the physiotherapy profession, it has become an increasing problem for other professions who have become integral to sport and on the field injury management, including Sports Therapists.
The word ‘Physio’ has now become a generic title that is commonly used to describe anyone who applies any form of injury management both on the field of play and in a clinical setting. It’s a familiar word frequently used and for the media it’s an easy option. Unfortunately, it is also a word that the public is familiar with and thereby lays the problem.
‘Physio’ is a derivative of one of the protected titles under the Health Professions Act of 1991 and it should only be used by those who are registered as Physiotherapists.
Therefore, to refer to oneself as the team physio is technically breaking the law, if the individual is not registered as a Physiotherapist. I know that Members will be aware of this. However, the problem is that no matter how many times Members will say, ‘I’m not a Physio I’m a Sports Therapist’ they still get referred to under the generic title in interviews, articles, discussions and during TV and Radio commentaries. This has to stop. But how is this to be achieved?
I more than anyone, know that this is a problem that many Members experience on a regular basis and it is one that the Society has on many occasions endeavoured to get changed, however to no avail. So, for it to eventually be changed, the Society needs to become more vociferous and assertive, as polite lobbying has not worked.
One other way for this to happen is for all Members, especially when being interviewed, to continually stress that they are Sports Therapists and demand to be referred to as that, and not by a registered occupational title, that could cause them problems.
After all, remember not all ball point pens are biros, not all vacuum cleaners are hoovers and not all therapists are ‘physios’!
Professor Graham N. Smith
