I see STTs playing a vital part in the service to elite-level sport. STTs are often the gatekeepers of the athletes, and with skilful evaluations, assessments and treatments they can identify potential problems evolving. Skilful soft tissue treatments in combination with physiotherapy and medical interventions are focused to maximise the athlete’s return to competition after injuries. Excellent communication between the disciplines is crucial. STTs also play a vital part in recovery, especially at major championships.”


According to Robin Chakraverty, sports doctor with UKA: “In a world-class track and field environment, be that training or competition, having areas of contractile or non-contractile tissue dysfunction may be as burdensome to an athlete’s performance as an acute infection, a poor diet or a loss of focus. For an athlete to perform maximally, all facets of their care and recovery need to be in place – and many athletes value the role of an expert STT in their support team as high as if not higher than that of their doctor.”


Neil Black, head of sports science and sports medicine with UKA and formerly head physiotherapist with UKA, says: “I see STT working at its best where the skill sets are truly understood and valued by the athlete, coach and other support team members, where there is very clear clarification of roles, effective communication and constant follow-up in a form and level appropriate to the personalities and circumstances. The end result should be seamless, with no egos and only the best wishes for the athlete being taken into account.”


Having the medical team members explain why they value the STT input is only half of the story, however. Athletes often say “Why doesn’t anyone ever ask us what we think?”, so I did just that:


Leon Taylor, 2004 Olympic Silver Medallist for diving, explains: “Too many people think that one treatment is as good as the next, as it once was to me. But it has taken treatment from two very talented and well-respected therapists for me to learn that there is a world of difference between getting a rub and having an STT lay their hands on you.


“The distinction comes from a number of aspects of


this type of treatment. First, it is my opinion that the level of education of the therapist is paramount. The soft tissue therapy I have received has been laden with theoretical knowledge to back it up. The therapist’s understanding and knowledge of anatomy has been outstanding. Their ability


to relate this to my sport of diving has been vital to accurate treatment protocol. “Second, this treatment may seem a little different from the traditional stereotypes of a massage. You will get put in weird positions; you may not get doused in massage oil, you’ll probably have to get on and off the table a number of times to be reassessed, and you may go through considerable pain. “The third distinctive aspect of STT is that it is very,


very, very effective!”


David Green, 2010 European champion in 400m hurdles, says: “To perform to the best of my ability round after round during a championship, the use of sports STT is essential. I am an athlete who knows what my body requires. [My STT] listens intently to my concerns and preferences, which always leads to great results. It’s fantastic having someone to work


with who has a friendly yet professional approach to a job they clearly love.”


Phillips Idowu, world and European champion and Olympic Silver Medallist in triple jump, says: “For me personally as an elite athlete, I find seeing my STT more beneficial for my training and preparation for competitions than I do seeing a physio. I’d rather see my STT two or three times a week to help me


get through the year, through the winter, where a physio I would see for injuries and rehab. It is a massive deal to me to know that I can get treatment from my therapist two days before I compete and I will be in the best possible shape. You work with someone all year round, they know what’s right and wrong with your body, and [my STT] can tell when my body responds to the work we do. So, it’s a massive advantage.”


THE ENTIRE SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM IN SUPPORTING THE ATHLETE’S REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY


FOLLOWING AN ATHLETE’S INJURY, THE STT JOINS


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