The Role of Occupational Therapists in Sports Rehabilitation

By Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry- Founder, Prayatna

In India, especially in sports rehabilitation, physiotherapists are more dominant than occupational therapists and also as in terms of career opportunities. Although many pursue sports-related careers, very few occupational therapists enter the field. Even though advanced courses are available abroad and interest is growing, educational opportunities in Sports Occupational Therapist are limited and those who purse it are low in Kerala.

Occupational therapists can support athletes in two ways:

1. Injury Prevention Techniques – by teaching sport-specific techniques to avoid injuries.

2. Rehabilitation – by helping injured athletes by providing training so that they can recover and return to their sport or profession safely and effectively.

As we know, prevention is better than cure, especially in sports. One of the key roles of an occupational therapist is to help prevent injuries before they occur. This begins with analysing the specific movements involved in a particular sport. For example, if someone is a professional runner, the therapist observes their running patterns to see whether the muscles are being used efficiently and whether their technique is correct. Similarly, in sports like Shot Put, the therapist examines the movements how the athlete lifts and rotates their body during the throw. Any improper posture or movement can lead to muscle strain or injuries over time is common. Once the analysis is complete, the occupational therapist works on training the athlete to use proper techniques. In case of Shot Put which involve teaching correct lifting methods, how to properly turn and throw, helping the athlete perform safely and effectively.

In sports involving hand use, occupational therapists assess hand strength, joint flexibility, and coordination, then work to improve all essential skills as needed. They also evaluate which specific body parts or skills are used in the sport and help athletes enhance them. Additionally, they check ergonomics, including overall fitness, proper shoe selection based on grip and size, and recommend suitable protective gear like helmets or knee pads for cricketers and cyclists based on the demands of the sport. They also recommend warm-up and cool-down activities to prepare the muscles before an event and relax them afterward. Additionally, they educate athletes on proper water intake, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and healthy food habits, while ensuring all these areas are being followed correctly.

In the case of an injured sportsperson who wants to return to their profession and passion, an occupational therapist plays a crucial role in supporting both their physical and mental health. Athletes may feel stressed, depressed, or frustrated due to their inability to continue in sports after an injury. An Occupational Therapist helps by motivating them, building their confidence, and guiding them towards recovery.

Alongside mental support, Occupational Therapists also address physical issues such as pain and swelling by introducing simple, modified activities with breaks in between to prevent strain. If swelling is present, they teach the athlete how to manage it properly. They also provide strategies to improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and use joint protection methods to safely guide the athlete back to their sport. Occupational therapists suggest adaptive devices based on the type of injury, for example using a splint for a hand injury. They give the right support for injury by analysing the condition.

Sensory Re-education in Sports injuries

Sensory Re-education in Sports Injuries refers to the rehabilitation techniques used to restore normal sensation and sensory processing following nerve injuries or trauma in athletes. When a sports injury affects the sensory nerves (like in sprains, fractures, ligament tears, or surgeries), the athlete may experience numbness, tingling, decreased touch sensitivity, or poor proprioception (body awareness). Sensory re-education helps retrain the brain and nerves to interpret sensory information correctly again.

Occupational Therapist Vs Physiotherapist

What makes an occupational therapist different from a physiotherapist is that OTs focus more on functional participation, with the main goal being to help the athlete return to their sport. Occupational therapists take a holistic approach. They not only identify the individual’s difficulties but also recognize their strengths, consider their environment, and assess the level of family support. All these factors are important for a successful return to sport and are carefully considered when planning the intervention.

Occupational therapists also help when athletes face difficulties due to a sports injury, such as problems with daily self-care routines like brushing, basic grooming, leisure participation, or issues with driving.