A Day in the Life of a Sport Physiotherapist on the road
By Hilary Mallinger, Co-Founder, Sport Physiotherapist and Volleyball Canada Team Therapist
Life on the road as a Sport Physiotherapist looks very different from an average day in the clinic as a Sport Physiotherapist. While the principles of physiotherapy treatment remain the same, read on to find out more about what traveling as a sport therapist can look like!
How does physiotherapy treatment differ with athletes on the road?
From a treatment perspective, not all that much, honestly. We travel with acupuncture and dry needling supplies, cupping and IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) tools, portable treatment tables, taping supplies, ice and compression machines, and of course, our amazing sport therapists. We tend to see athletes more frequently (at times, daily) while on the road than a typical clinical schedule would necessitate, because it is our athletes’ full time job to perform and stay healthy.
What does differ is our close working relationship with the coaching staff. We meet on a daily basis to determine the best course of action for each athlete, including how much they should jump/run/throw/swing/skate etc., in order to perform their best, or if we need to navigate an injury.
When do you do rehab exercises with athletes?
We often incorporate rehab exercises into a treatment session on the road, or just before a dynamic warm up before a practice or match. A sport physiotherapist-led rehab session in the hotel gym, pool or hallway is also a common practice while on the road. We are experts at making do with what space we have available to us, and adapting our exercise and rehab planning as needed!
Who do you collaborate with from a healthcare perspective?
An IST (Integrated Support Team) generally consists of a: sport physiotherapist, sports doctor, sports dietitian, mental performance coach and/or sports psychologist, strength & conditioning coach, sports chiropractor, and sports massage therapist. While not all members of the IST are on the road with a team, all are accessible for consultation for athletes at any and all times. It’s not unheard of to have to take an athlete for imaging or consultation at a local hospital or radiology clinic in another country (thankfully we have Google translate!)
What is your favourite part about being a Sport Physiotherapist?
I love the connection with the athletes and being involved in the competitive environment. There is nothing as thrilling to me as an excitingly close match between two high level teams! I am constantly inspired by the dedication and drive from all members of the team (both athletes and staff) in terms of goals, training and performance, and this greatly motivates me to improve and perform in other areas of my life - my own training goals, my business goals, and my personal life.
Hilary (far right) is a Sport Physiotherapist and member of the IST with Volleyball Canada Senior Women’s Indoor National Team.
