What’s The Difference?
Physiotherapist Vs Sports Therapist Vs Sports Massage Therapist
I get that it can be confusing knowing who to see when you're in pain or dealing with an injury — physio, sports therapist, massage therapist... what’s the difference?
This page breaks it all down clearly, so you’ll understand exactly what I do as a degree-qualified Sports Therapist, how I can help you, and how that compares to what a physiotherapist or massage therapist offers.
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, and general healthcare settings
Some physiotherapists specialise in MSK and operate in private clinics, often alongside other health services
In short: In short: Physiotherapists are trained to manage a wide range of health conditions, but musculoskeletal injuries make up just one part of their overall training and clinical focus
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, joint, tendon, ligament’s or other movement-related issues (Musculoskeletal Issues)
Experts in:
Injury assessment and diagnosis
Hands-on treatment (manual therapy and soft tissue work e.g. sports massage)
Exercise-based rehab for pain, injury recovery and prevention
Helping people return to normal life, work or sport stronger and more confident
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?
I specialise exclusively in musculoskeletal care. Unlike generalist physios, my entire training has been focused on understanding how the body moves, why things break down, and how to fix them long term. Whether you’ve had an injury, surgery, or just feel something “isn’t quite right” - this is my field.