The Fitness Test

The Media Portrayal

How many times do you read or hear about a player having a late fitness test and then coming through to seemingly defy Universal Laws and be pronounced fit to play in an important game?

As a therapist you look on such things with a little 'tongue in cheek' as they say. The reason I say this is because as a therapist you have a pretty good idea days before whether a player with a certain injury is likely to be fit for selection.

The Reality

Usually if a player or sportsperson has been unable to train for a while they are unlikely to be properly fit anyway and that in itself will throw doubt into the picture.

In my experience, it is relatively rare to need a fitness test at a very late stage, as on the morning of a game for example. If there is doubt at such a stage it is highly likely that there will be an under par performance or further injury. There are obviously exceptions to everything but usually a good therapist and an experienced player of any sport has a good idea days before whether they are going to be available to play on a specific day.

Its Real Value

One of the reasons I have had to do such a test in the past with professional players is to prove to them and on occasions to managers that a player really is not fit. I have known all along that when the rubber meets the road the injury is not recovered sufficiently to allow them to be fully functional. Even the most seasoned professionals with a massive desire to participate in a particular game will need convincing by having such a test.

More than Meets The Eye

It is obviously something that you only do if necessary but occasionally it is the best option.. It needs to be done by a skilled professional who understands the player, the injury and the situation in detail otherwise the agendas of others rather than the skilled therapist will prevail. You are often dealing with strong and determined characters and you have to be focussed and strong in your decision irrelevant of the emotions of others.

This is easier said than done and you have to face up to the fact that you may not be right, but stick by your convictions you must. Such situations are why, for me, not all therapists by any means, despite being excellent clinicians can make good therapists in a professional sport environment. Such situations are where you really do earn your corn and the respect of your colleagues and players.