In the 7th semester of the Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) programme, students can choose an elective module. The aim of the module "Therapy in Sport" is the sport- and training-science-based therapeutic care of athletes (m/f/d) with acute and chronic injuries and damage. The students learn to recognise and take into account sport-specific criteria in therapy, and to accompany an athlete's return to the regular training process therapeutically.
Alongside knowledge of the most common injuries in sport, the students learn methods of sports massage, taping and cupping. They also learn about nutrition in sport, aqua-fitness, and the use of scientific tests (assessments) for return-to-sport after injuries.
To apply this knowledge, the students completed four weeks of practical days at the football club 1. FC Union Berlin. There they carried out therapeutic activities in the club's youth academy, used techniques for the preparation and recovery of athletes (m/f/d), and accompanied competitions. The experiences at 1. FC Union Berlin with the use of validated assessments such as Return-to-Competition or the progression plan after injuries, as well as the practice-oriented acute treatment of even minor injuries and the motivated approach of the footballers to the fastest possible "return to play", were a great enrichment for our students.