Sports Physical Therapist vs. Physical Therapist

[koh1995]

Hey everyone

I was just wondering if there is a different between a sports physical therapist and a physical therapist or is it just there name. When i google them it shows that sports physical therapists have a higher salary, but i am still not sure if there is a difference between them. Also if sports physical therapist is something different how would i approach become a sports physical therapist?

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[Co Luu]

Hey everyone

I was just wondering if there is a different between a sports physical therapist and a physical therapist or is it just there name. When i google them it shows that sports physical therapists have a higher salary, but i am still not sure if there is a difference between them. Also if sports physical therapist is something different how would i approach become a sports physical therapist?

Get accepted to an accredited PT program and focus primarily on sports medicine when you are doing your clinical.
This is what I have been told. If I am wrong, please correct me (directed towards viewers) because I am also leaning towards Sports Physical Therapy

 

[NewTestament]

You can't specialize while you're in school. When you graduate, you can target clinics that specialize in sports orthopedics and develop your expertise. You might be able to find a residency in sports orthopedics.

Kevin

 

[tmgorm90]

You can't specialize while you're in school. When you graduate, you can target clinics that specialize in sports orthopedics and develop your expertise. You might be able to find a residency in sports orthopedics.

Kevin

^^^ What Kevin said as you could ideally sit for your SCS (Sports Certified Specialist)

 

[1027453812]

I too am interested in the SCS and I definitely need to get into some clinicals first before I make a formal decision.

I had a chance to speak with two therapists, one who had the opportunity to intern with the LA dodgers during his clinicals at PT school and another who worked with USC athletics.

The student commented that although he thought that there were many 'extras' that accompanied his experiences (i.e watching practices) the student was only working with a select few athletes. In any given day if the student was done consulting those athletes, the rest was more so 'dead time' and he had to occupy himself helping out with the management of the sport facility (ie equipment).

The USC PT made a statement that it has to be noted that the realm of athletics is really dominated by AT's. Sometimes AT's may be worried that a more clinically qualified individual may be stepping into their territory. He said in order to best out of your scope of practice within athletics other than the SCS, the PT recommended a dual credential (DPT, ATC). But again, to each their own. This is only some of the feedback I have heard.

 

[NewTestament]

He said in order to best out of your scope of practice within athletics other than the SCS, the PT recommended a dual credential (DPT, ATC). But again, to each their own. This is only some of the feedback I have heard.

The only program I know that offers that is Shenandoah University, which is a huge playground inside.

 

[ems7]

The only program I know that offers that is Shenandoah University, which is a huge playground inside.

Kevin, what do you mean by the playground expression? I have never heard this lol.

Erin

 

[zuguolands]

When you graduate, you can target clinics that specialize in sports orthopedics and develop your expertise. You might be able to find a residency in sports orthopedics.

 

[NewTestament]

Kevin, what do you mean by the playground expression? I have never heard this lol.

Erin

I mean Shenandoah has a lot of floor space because the program is located in the old hospital. As I recall, they have entire rooms devoted to sports rehab. But I've only been there once.

 

[koh1995]

does a sports physical therapist get paid better than a regular physical therapist?