Role Of Sport Rehab
A Graduate Sport Rehabilitator (GSR) is a graduate level autonomous healthcare practitioner specialising in musculoskeletal management, exercise based rehabilitation and fitness.
Sport Rehabilitators have graduated with a degree in Sport Rehabilitation, a course of study suitable for them to be recognised as a graduate member of the British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT), the professional body for Graduate Sports Rehabilitators. The Sport Rehabilitator offers the individual unique skills to allow continued optimal participation in their chosen activity. The information below outlines the domains, tasks, knowledge and skill statements, which delineate the role of the GSR.
1. Recognition, evaluation and assessment.
The GSR should adhere to BASRaT Code of Ethics and hold at all times appropriate current insurance and first aid certification. The GSR should work within their scope of practice and professional competency at all times, extending and maintaining this via Continuing Professional Development. As a part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, the GSR should communicate and refer appropriately to the other professionals. In addition the GSR has a professional responsibility to maintain and manage accurate medical records.
2. Prevention.
The GSR has the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise the risks associated with injury and implement an appropriate plan to minimize these risks. This involves the planning, implementation and interpretation of pre-participation screening, to identify potential predisposing factors to musculoskeletal injury and health related disorders. From these findings the GSR has the ability to synthesize information and formulate an appropriate evidence based intervention.
3. Recognition and Evaluation of the Individual.
The GSR has the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and evaluate the status of the individual and from this information determine the appropriate course of management. This evaluation involves a biopsychosocial approach that incorporates neuromusculoskeletal, physiological and psychosocial approaches, with full consideration of health and lifestyle factors. A clinical impression is formulated from which an appropriate evidence based management plan is developed.
4. Management of the Individual – Therapeutic Intervention, Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement.
Following appropriate assessment the GSR has the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate the recovery of function, return to physical activity, and high levels of performance through a clinically reasoned approach, which incorporates evidenced based therapeutic intervention, and exercise. Throughout the management of the individual, the GSR has the skills to objectively monitor the intervention strategy and determine the need for appropriate modification. A holistic approach allows optimal recovery, through consideration of the multifactorial needs of the individual.
5. Immediate Care.
The GSR has appropriate knowledge and skill in the application of recognised measures of care including basic life support and first aid for life threatening and other emergency situations. The GSR is also capable of evaluating acute injury and illness and subsequently make an informed decision based on the indications and contraindications initiating care or return to participation.