Physiotherapist vs Sports Therapist vs Sports Massage Therapist – What’s the Difference?
When you're in pain or recovering from an injury, it can be difficult to know who to turn to. Should you see a physiotherapist, a sports therapist, or a massage therapist? This page will clearly explain the differences, highlight my qualifications, and help you make the most informed choice for your recovery.
Physiotherapist
Training: BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy (3–4 years)
Scope of Practice:
Broad medical training across:
- Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, MS)
- Respiratory issues (e.g. COPD, asthma)
- Post-surgical rehab
- Musculoskeletal injuries (MSK)
Commonly found working in NHS services, hospitals, general healthcare settings and private practice
Summary:
Physiotherapists provide a wide range of healthcare support. While some do specialise in MSK, this is only one component of their overall physiotherapy training and practice.
Degree Qualified Sports Therapist (That’s Me)
Training: BSc or MSc in Sports Therapy or Rehabilitation (3-4 years)
I hold A BSc (Hons) in Sports Rehabilitation (3 Years)
I also hold an MSc in Football Science & Rehabilitation, which was a further full year of study
Scope of Practice:
100% focused on muscle, tendon, ligament (soft tissue) injuries, joint pain or other movement-related issues (Musculoskeletal Injuries)
Experts in:
Injury assessment and diagnosis
Hands-on treatment (manual therapy, soft tissue techniques including sports massage)
Exercise-based rehabilitation for recovery, pain relief and long-term prevention
Progressive rehabilitation to restore full movement, strength and confidence for daily life and work
Sport-specific return-to-play programmes designed to meet the physical and performance demands of your sport
Whether you’re:
A parent with back pain
A builder with shoulder issues
An office worker with neck tension
Or an athlete returning from injury
You don’t need to be “sporty” to benefit from Sports Therapy. If you’ve got pain, stiffness, or a movement issue - I can help.
What sets me apart from physios?
My training and practice are 100% focused on musculoskeletal issues. While physiotherapists are trained more generally, I’ve spent years specifically studying how the body moves, why injuries happen and how to restore function long-term. Whether you're dealing with an overuse injury, struggling with persistent pain, or simply feel that something isn’t quite right – this is my area of expertise
Massage Therapist / ‘Sports Therapist’ (Non Degree Qualified)
Training: Typically a Level 3 to 5 diploma
(The Level 5 Diploma can often be completed in just 12 weekends)
Scope of Practice:
Provides general massage for muscle tightness or maintenance
Not trained in injury diagnosis or structured rehab
May help ease muscular tension, but not appropriate or a substitute for professional assessment or rehabilitation of specific injuries
Important:
The title “Sports Therapist” is not a protected term. This means that individuals without a degree, and with minimal training, can legally call themselves a sports therapist despite lacking the depth of knowledge required to safely assess or treat injuries.
Final Overview, Who Should You See?
If you're dealing with muscle, tendon, ligament (soft tissue) injuries, joint pain or other movement-related issues such as:
Recovery from recent or past injuries
Management and rehabilitation of overuse or training-related conditions
Relief from posture-related pain or movement restrictions
Reduction of general aches, stiffness and discomfort
And you're aiming to return to daily life, work or sport safely and confidently, then seeing a degree-qualified Sports Therapist like myself is the right choice. This is my area of expertise and what I specialize in - helping you move, feel and perform better with a structured, evidence-based approach.
If you're managing more complex health issues involving other body systems, such as:
Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis)
Respiratory conditions (e.g. COPD, asthma)
Or require support for wider medical conditions that go beyond muscles and joints, particularly more complicated neurological issues
Then a Chartered Physiotherapist working in a medical or hospital-based setting is likely to be the more suitable option.
Why This Matters
Knowing who you're working with - and their level of training - is essential when it comes to your health and recovery.
The title “Sports Therapist” is not regulated/protected
Individuals can complete short courses and call themselves one
A degree-qualified Sports Therapist undertakes 3+ years of full-time study, covering advanced anatomy, injury diagnosis, treatment planning, rehab and biomechanics
Your recovery, performance and long-term health depend on the qualifications and experience of the person guiding you. I bring expert-level knowledge and specialist training to every case I treat.