[Physiotherapy for the recreational athlete]

Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of sport injuries and can be especially adapted for this purpose. The physiotherapist has two tasks: 1. As a therapist treating a well defined pathologic entity or functional deficit. 2. Instructing the patient in further self-treatment and appropriate measures, behavioral changes and preventive approaches. The therapeutic emphasis is presented in seven interdependent groups: pain/swelling, flexibility, strength, coordination, endurance, psychological measures, preventive measures. The aim of treatment is to resume training activities. For each group there is a description of clinical symptoms, diagnosis according to functional tests and recommended treatment measures. The therapy group(s) and their priorities should be listed when making an individual therapeutic decision.