Sports therapy and subsequent rehabilitation of the sportspersons are related to musculoskeletal conditions that arise from various types of sports activities. In general, it is distinct from standard healthcare. It focuses on clear understanding of sports injuries and preventing or dealing with actual effects of physical and/or emotional trauma arising out of such injuries. Sports therapists offer advice to participants in different kinds of sports but they also extend their services to those who exercise regularly and acquire injuries. They advise such persons on safe training and treatment of injuries, along with short-term or long-term rehabilitation where and when required.

The aim of the experts in sports therapy is not only to prevent injuries to sportspersons but also help the injured persons to return to complete fitness. Sports therapists work mainly in clinics that concentrate on sports related injuries but they also work directly with sports clubs or individual sportspersons, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Most therapists combine their working in this discipline with many other sports related activities. They could also have a wide range of workplaces and clients, instead of working for just one single organization.

Sports therapy by a qualified and experienced sports therapist would include one or more of the following activities.

Assessing the readiness of the players, participants, or athletes and advising on specific exercises before specific sports events or fixtures
Testing of the joints of the sportspersons for range and ease of movement
Taping, strapping, offering required massage, and preparing the sportspersons, participants, or athletes physically as well as mentally
Offering emergency aid in sports and exercise environments
Examining or assessing level of injuries and determining whether the sportsperson, participant, or athlete could continue to take part in that particular sport

The sports therapy also includes the following special therapeutic approaches to treat injured sportspersons or athletes.

Rehabilitation of the sportspersons from injuries through manual therapy techniques, electrotherapy, or with other necessary apparatus
Designing specific rehabilitation programs appropriate to the injury level and/or sport level and monitoring the rehabilitation programs continuously until the sportsperson completely recovers to compete again in his/her sport
Deciding whether extra treatments are necessary for the sportspersons, athletes, or participants and coordinating referrals to other sports therapy specialist practitioners if required
Advising sportspersons or athletes on nutrition and diet but the sports therapists should have adequate training in these fields
Working alone with sportspersons or with coaches, fitness advisors, and/or trainers to implement exercise, core stability, conditioning, and injury prevention programs to help the sportspersons, athletes, or participants to reach peak performance and maintain them for longer periods
Liaising with similar health professionals in the field of sports as well as mainstream medicine to ensure quality treatment and expert rehabilitation programs for the sports persons to help them perform at their peak levels

When sports therapy professionals follow all the above activities and approaches, then the sportspersons or athletes would recover much faster and would be able to compete again in their respective fields with greater efficiency in the shortest possible period.