The Lead Rehabilitation Physiotherapist is a pivotal member of the medical team within the department. This role involves leading and overseeing the rehabilitation process of injured players, ensuring they return to full fitness and optimal performance levels safely and effectively. The individual will work closely with the club's medical staff, sport scientists, data scientists, coaching team, and players, providing expert guidance and implementing evidence- based rehabilitation programs tailored to each player's needs.

1. Injury Assessment and Diagnosis:
• Conduct thorough assessments and diagnoses of player injuries using a combination of clinical evaluation, medical imaging, and other diagnostic tools.
• Maintain detailed records of injury assessments and treatment plans.

2. Rehabilitation Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring:
• Leading and executing the rehabilitation process from start to finish, including the delivery of pitch-based sessions, for all longer-term injuries in collaboration with the Head of Performance and Head of Physiotherapy.
• Collaborating with the Head of Performance and Head of Physiotherapy to produce rehabilitation protocols for different injuries.
• Develop individualised criterion-based rehabilitation programs utilising key objective markers for injured players, focusing on short-term and long-term recovery goals, whilst considering contextual factors.
• Competent in the use of VALD technologies (DynaMo, ForceDecks, ForceFrame, NordBord), or similar, as well as interpreting the gathered data to confidently monitor and adjust rehabilitation plans to meet key rehabilitation criteria.
• Be able to highlight risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) contributing to an injury being sustained and subsequently addressing these factors successfully throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Utilise a variety of therapeutic techniques, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy, to facilitate recovery.
• Proactive use of monitoring tools and respective adjustments of rehabilitation plans based on the player’s progress and response to treatment in order to return players in a safe and timely manner.

3. Collaboration with Medical and Coaching Staff:
• Work closely with the club’s medical team, including doctors, physiotherapists, and sports scientists, to ensure a holistic approach to player rehabilitation.

• Effectively co-ordinating and communicating with the football MDT as needed to enhance the delivery of rehabilitation protocols, including how to successful integrate players back into training schedules, gym loading, and match preparations.
• Travel to, and attend, appointments with players to see specialists within our network of medical professionals, as required.

4. Player Education and Support:
• Educate players on injury prevention strategies, proper recovery techniques, and the importance of adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
• Provide psychological support to players during their rehabilitation process, addressing any concerns and helping them stay motivated, whilst also being able to identify when further professional psychological support may be required.

5. Return-to-Play Decisions:
• Conduct functional assessments and fitness tests to determine a player’s readiness to return to training and competitive play.
• Collaborate with the coaching staff to manage the reintegration of players into training sessions and matches, ensuring a graded return to full activity.

6. Data Management and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records for all players, including treatment notes and progress reports.
• Prepare reports and present findings to the medical team, coaching staff, and club management as required.

7. Research and Continuous Improvement:
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques.
• Implement evidence-based practices and continuously seek opportunities to enhance the club’s rehabilitation protocols.
• Annual CPD budget to aid ongoing professional development, separate to any learner agreements.

8. Leadership and Mentoring:
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior physiotherapists and support staff within the medical team.

9. Emergency Response:
• Be prepared to respond promptly to injuries during training sessions and matches, where needed, providing immediate first aid and acute injury management as required.

10. Compliance and Ethics:
• Ensure all rehabilitation practices comply with relevant regulations and ethical standards in sports medicine.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity in all interactions with players and staff.