Sports Physical Therapy Section, APTA
Vision, Mission and Goals
History
The Sports Physical Therapy Section (SPTS) is a component member of the American Physical Therapy Association, which provides a common forum for members of the Association with an interest in sports physical therapy. The Section was founded in 1973. At the time of application for section status, it was composed of seventy-five members who shared a common interest in sports. The SPTS has grown tremendously in the past two decades and is the third largest section among the parent organization's nineteen specialty sections. By providing a common forum for physical therapists with an interest in sports physical therapy, the SPTS serves to broaden the field of physical therapy. Emphasis in this specialty area of physical therapy includes, but may not be limited to: performance enhancement, recognition and management of active sports injuries, treatment, rehabilitation, and research of sports injuries.
The SPTS disseminates information to its members on current physical therapy trends and practices to improve the care of the recreationally active individual. The Section has developed a goal of providing a research forum to serve as an educational baseline and has established the SPTS Excellence in Research Award.
The SPTS has established relationships with many of the collateral organizations associated with providing treatment for the recreationally active individual. Additionally, the Section works to promote the development of sports physical therapy within the educational programs of physical therapy curriculums.
The Sports Physical Therapy Section provides a mechanism for the physical therapist to become involved in practice and research related to the subspecialty of sports physical therapy. These functions of the SPTS are, in part, accomplished by Section sponsored continuing education programs, home study programs, sports physical therapy related publications, and a job placement service, in addition to a variety of other projects sponsored to increase the awareness of the role of the sports physical therapist.
Vision
By 2020, Sports Physical Therapy will be provided by doctoral level physical therapists who are board certified specialists. The SPTS is to be THE resource for the Sports Physical Therapist.
Mission
The mission of the SPTS, as a component of the APTA, is to promote the identity of the Sports Physical Therapist and to serve its members, athletes of all ages and abilities, the profession, and the community at large through excellence in Sports PT practice, research, education and professional development.
Goals
- Effectively represent and advocate sports physical therapy to our profession, the public and other organizations.
- Actively facilitate efforts to investigate and document sports physical therapy practice.
- Disseminate information via various technologies/media to promote mentorship, enhance professional development, and optimize the practice of sports physical therapy.
- Provide responsible fiscal management to support the mission and promote the growth of the Sports Physical Therapy Section.
- Utilize the organizational structure to facilitate involvement of and communication with our members at multiple levels.