Are Sports Doctors and Physiotherapists qualified to write training programs?

The post by Allistair McCaw

Why is it that some sports doctors and physiotherapists feel they are also experts in the field of sports performance training?

In my opinion, if you haven’t done at least 10 years in the field you are trying to give advice in, you are not an ‘expert’ or even near what some might call ‘experienced’.

With total respect, physiotherapists and sports doctors may know their stuff in the medical field and room, and we certainly couldn’t do without them, but when I see a program from a physiotherapist with a strength or training program, I get concerned.

Firstly, I want to see their credentials and experience with athletes, no, not in their consulting rooms, but in the gym, on the field or area of athletic enhancement.

Anyone who advises or prescribes programs must fully understand how to properly train an athlete, not just rehabilitate them.

Again with all respect, and there are a few out there who know their stuff in the gym, but not actually being active in the training part, does not qualify anyone to design a training program no matter how many injuries you’ve treated, books you’ve read and thesis’s you’ve done.

A major mistake some athletes on the pro tour make is hiring a physio thinking that they can do the physical training too. I have seen this once too often. It often ends up going the wrong way.

Another thing: why is it that we find more trainers going to seminars or workshops held by physiotherapists to learn about rehab, when there should be more physiotherapists going to strength & conditioning seminars on how to train an athlete and prevent the injury cause?

I say, lets learn from each other and not make this wall of division and misunderstanding. Put ego’s aside and lets work for the benefit of the athlete and the industry we are in.

Look forward to hearing your comments!

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