Opinion: The best university for Sport Rehabilitation

Ida's Story

Why Salford?

I chose Salford because I enjoyed the open day: course presentation by Jules, cheesy jokes by Bob and the way students who lead the tour were talking about the course, they all encouraged me to study here. I also liked the facilities (modern buildings, new equipment, performance labs and sport injury clinic), a great location and price for the student accommodation and the surrounding area with lots of places to spend free time and have fun (Manchester City Centre and Salford Quays). The course lectures are all very kind, friendly and always offer the support if needed.

I was searching university rankings for physiotherapy and sport related courses (because 3 years ago there wasn't any ranking specifically for Sport Rehabilitation course) to see which universities seem to be the best in that area. I don't remember now but I think that's how I found the University of Salford. What I definitely remember is that I visited the uni on the open day and I loved it, so I really recommend that you do that too!

Why did you choose Sport Rehabilitation?

I'm an athlete and sport has always been a part of my life since I was a kid. I knew I won't be a professional athlete but I still wanted my career to be sport related. I found human body and injuries very interesting so since secondary school I was planning to study physiotherapy. 

At the time I didn't know about sport rehabilitation. I discovered Sport Rehabilitation when I started looking at the universities during my A levels. Sport rehabilitation is better than physiotherapy for me because it is focused on the area that I am interested the most which is musculoskeletal problems and working with athletes. When I started visiting open days at different universities, I stopped considering physiotherapy, I knew that sport rehabilitation was the course for me.

My experience on the course was great, very positive. It was just as I expected.

What do you learn on a Sport Rehabilitation course?

It's mostly practical sessions: massage, injury assessment, treatment modalities. We learn by practicing on each other and real patients. Practical classes often start with a bit of theory and then are continued by practicing that theory. The most theoretical classes are on the first year, (to learn about anatomy and different injuries), later it's just 1-2 classes per week (to learn about psychology, nutrition and scientific research).

What can I do with a Sport Rehabilitation degree?

To graduate, I needed to complete at least 300h placement hours, which very kindly were organised by the university so I didn’t have to stress about getting placements all by myself. I had an internal placement in the university sports injury clinic where I assessed, diagnosed and treated patients under the supervision of the lectures that I knew which created "a safe place" to learn.

I also completed few external placements, where I was able to practice and test my knowledge and learn from experts at;

• Oldham RLFC
• Clinic Equilibrium Pilates studio 
• Leigh Centurions Rugby Club
• Sedgley Rugby Club

I also volunteered in few sports events as a Sports Massage Therapist in;

• Manchester Marathon
• U14 Female Basketball Tournament
• Salford vs Chester Varsity 

I only participated in few events but there were lots of opportunities to volunteer!

When I graduate, I plan on working in a sports injury clinic and part-time/volunteering in sports clubs and events.