Case Studies in Sports and Exercise Therapy

This chapter will take readers through a set of three short case studies. These will detail the key aspects of the patient interaction, from initial consultation to return to play or referral. The management of patients and athletes is not always a straight road and it may wind through referrals, imaging or even surgery where indicated, and setbacks can be understandably encountered along the way. We will present each case as a conference; for example completed consultation and record forms will show the subjective and objective assessment findings, and readers will be presented with probing and reflective questions (in Task Boxes). We will also see completed referral letters illustrating best practices. We aim to link our cases to the proficiencies and professional standards of practice expected of sports and exercise therapists, and also build on and find realistic applications for the multitude of topics, skill areas and theoretical models presented across this handbook. We hope to stimulate and challenge your clinical reasoning, with an ultimate focus on helping to develop your confidence and understanding of the process, strategy and methods which underpin our practice. Each case also presents hypothetical, narrative Therapist Reflections to show insight into the reasoning that could be involved in case management. The three cases were selected for their unique learning opportunities, and we felt that they would be useful for both new and experienced graduate sports and exercise therapists alike. We hope you find these useful in your own learning.