Katy Hughes had set herself a big challenge when she started a four-year degree course in sports therapy with a 14-month old baby.

But it was all worth it, she says now.

The 28-year-old from Colchester says: “I had to sacrifice my social life. I was determined if I was going to university I would dedicate myself to my degree as well as being a mum. I wanted a first class degree and when I achieved that it was an amazing feeling.”

She now works as a sports therapist at Elms Fitness, in Stanway, and knows she made the right decision for her. But it was not always so straightforward.

Katy, who attended Philip Morant School, in Colchester, and then Colchester High School for Girls to do her A-levels, says: “I originally wanted to be a vet, but I didn’t get the A-Levels I needed, so I re-evaluated my options.

“I’d always loved science and sport and did A-Levels in chemistry, biology and physics. But when I left school and I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“I was helping my younger sister, Emily, look for degree courses in art when I found the sports therapy one and I fell in love with it straight away – it combined my love of sport and science.”

With her son in tow, she and Emily moved to Hertford together to attend Hertfordshire University.

Katy, who has a brown belt in judo and reached international level in competitions before studying for her degree, says it was worth sacrificing her student life to study and be a mum. Now she is more settled and doing a job she enjoys.

She says “It’s nice working at a gym because you always have a steady stream of people coming in who ask for your help and advice.

“I usually treat people with injuries, those who compete in marathons or triathlons, but I also see people with those everyday niggles. Each treatment I give is different and I am constantly developing. That’s what I enjoy.

“You have to be quite dexterous. You sometimes feel like you need five hands when you carry out treatments! You also have to be attuned to people because they don’t always tell you everything you need to know.”

You need to be confident in yourself and your knowledge, says Katy.

She explains: “If you don’t know you have to be proactive and find out the answers.”

She advises others interested in becoming a sports therapist to go and get some work experience.

She says: “Even if you just watch, it is worth it as you have an idea of what it’s about. Do first aid training and throw yourself into sport – whether you watch or play.

“In the end you are not treating an injured elbow or knee, you are treating a person and need to understand their frustrations too.”


WHAT IT INVOLVES


Sports  therapy is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional,
occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.

Sport and exercise therapy is not just about sports massage, but sports
therapists will have massage skills that are an important part of their practice.