March 2025
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To build this relationship, a Physiotherapist must possess good communication skills, be approachable, demonstrate a high level of competence, and understand both the emotional and psychological demands of the sport, as well as the challenges of returning from injury.
The primary goal of a Physiotherapist is to treat and fully rehabilitate the athlete post-injury or post-surgery, preventing further injury and enabling the athlete to return to and excel in their sport, safely, within the shortest possible timeframe.
P3RFORM offers high-quality support through our multi-disciplinary team, from acute injury management to high-performance recovery.
It's important to recognise that this relationship requires effort from both the athlete and the Physiotherapist. However, it is the Physiotherapist’s responsibility to make it as easy as possible for the athlete to engage in this process.
In my experience of working with athletes across a range of sports, honesty is key. Providing athletes with all the information they need to progress through the rehabilitation journey, while also taking the time to get to know them as individuals, benefits both their physical and mental recovery—critical elements of a successful return to sport.
The information provided to athletes typically includes (but is not limited to) the injury diagnosis, expected timeframe for return to sport (which is often the first question asked), and a detailed rehabilitation plan. This transparency not only helps the athlete understand how they will return to their sport but also instils confidence in the physiotherapist’s expertise. Ultimately, this builds trust, which plays a significant role in a successful return to sport.
Rehabilitation rarely follows a trouble-free path and there are often difficult conversations to be had regarding the seriousness of the injury, potential surgeries, and sometimes even the possibility of ending the athlete’s career. The trust that has been built between the athlete and Physiotherapist will help maintain a positive relationship during these challenging times.
For me, trust is the most important element in a strong athlete-Physiotherapist relationship. The athlete must trust that the Physiotherapist understands the injury and knows the most effective way to return them to their sport. Likewise, the Physiotherapist must trust the athlete to be honest about how they’re feeling and fully commit to their rehabilitation process.
Building and maintaining this relationship isn’t always easy, and the approach to doing so will vary depending on the individual. Ultimately, the stronger this relationship, the more successful the athlete's return to sport will be—not only in terms of physical recovery but also mental readiness. This is why it’s crucial for both the athlete and Physiotherapist to work together towards building the best possible partnership.
