Case studies: Sports physiotherapist: John Chaffe

John completed his BSc Physiotherapy degree at Loughborough University followed by a Masters at the University of Birmingham in 2008. He currently works as the first team/head academy physiotherapist for Worcester Warriors Rugby Club.

During my time at university, I completed several physiotherapy placements, including a six-week placement with Worcester Warriors. Following my placement, I continued to work for them on a voluntary basis. Once I graduated, I decided to apply for a Band 5 rotational physiotherapist position with the NHS in Birmingham. I was primarily working with musculoskeletal outpatients at the time and after eight months was promoted to a Band 6 role. I continued my voluntary work at the rugby club alongside this. Once a part-time position opened up at Worcester Warriors, I had to split my week to accommodate for both roles, working around 12-15 hours at the rugby club and another 30 hours with the hospital. I left the NHS in 2011 and took up a full-time position at the Worcester Academy. This season I was promoted to my current role as head academy physiotherapist.

A typical working day starts around 7am before the players arrive to commence training. Often I begin by planning my day or attending to urgent care or treatment if needed. I also screen players for potential problems and implement preventative measures to support them while training. This can also involve helping injured players when they are lifting weights. I work around the schedule of the players and often assess and treat them in between sessions. During match days I may be required to provide rehabilitation on pitch. At the end of the day I complete my notes and plan sessions for the following day, finishing at around 4 or 5pm.

While the long hours can be challenging, I enjoy working with the players. Because they are elite athletes, the standard of treatment is pushed up. This constantly challenges and pushes me to ensure my treatment is effective. It also means I can push the players in ways the public cannot be pushed, particularly in a high-pressured game where immediate decisions need to be made on the pitch. My work is varied because each person and each injury is different. It is intellectually challenging and I have the autonomy to make my own decisions.

Within the next year, I am hoping to complete additional Masters modules in sports medicine. Recently I completed training courses in acupuncture, taping and tissue/muscle manipulation.

If you are a physiotherapy student interested in working in the sports sector, I would recommend getting plenty of work experience. Sending out CVs and letters can be useful as well as speaking to your contacts. Consider going to your local sports club and offer to volunteer for them. This can provide you with valuable insight and experience to put on your CV. Be prepared to work long hours with little or no pay to start with. Professional sports clubs look for experienced physiotherapists with as much knowledge as possible.