Don’t put your sports injuries in untrained hands, warn professionals

The two organisations launched a joint campaign for people to see HPC-registered physios rather than unregistered practitioners. ‘I have seen at first hand the importance of the right advice and the right care,’ said Gary Lewin (right), head of physiotherapy services to the FA. ‘That can make a massive difference not just to sporting careers but to long-term health and well-being.’ Many people treat themselves or visit unregulated practitioners, according to a survey by market researchers Opinion Matters. One in three of those polled had suffered a sporting injury in the past five years but only 14 per cent sought help from a registered physio, it said. ‘Relatively minor injuries can become long-term problems if left untreated,’ said Dr Helena Johnson, chair of CSP council. ‘It is very important that people see a registered chartered physiotherapist as early as possible.’