The 1st Forum on Sports Physiotherapy titled “RE–ACT: Return to the sports action after an injury or a surgery” took place on Thursday 19/01/2017 at the Mediterranean College Thessaloniki premises, at Egnatia 2-4 Street.
Mrs Lia Veniota, principal of Mediterranean College in Thessaloniki, welcomed the distinguished guests, students, academic staff, physiotherapists, athletes and coaches for their presence in the Forum.
Mrs Voula Patoulidou, Deputy Head of Region for Metropolitan Solidarity in Thessaloniki delivered a warm address to the distinguished guests and commenced the Forum’s proceedings.
The Hellenic Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport delivered a special address through its representative, the vice-president Dr Amalia Drakou, who highlighted the benefits of physical exercise in the human body, as well as the association’s activities. The board of the association was also represented by Mrs. Eleni Glynia and Polyxeni Thoma.
The topic was introduced by Dr Maria Mitsiou, Programme Leader in the School of Health Professions of Mediterranean College who – with her interdisciplinary approach (sports scientist, physical therapist, adapted physical educator) – highlighted: “Sports Physiotherapy is a specialist subject, which focuses on the prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation and improvement of the performance of physically active people, not solely athletes. It is imperative that professionals enrich their knowledge and skills in sports injury rehabilitation by using new therapeutic protocols.”
The presenters in the Forum were equally enlightening in their speeches.
Mr Nikolaos Gourtsas, Training Manager at the European College of Sports and Exercise Physicians used rich audiovisual material to introduce us on how to tackle emergencies in sports venues and highlighted the essence of training in First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS/ AED) techniques.
Mr Stefanos Mamalis, coach in the national athletics team, stressed the importance of cooperation between the coach and the physiotherapist, so as the athlete can return to action after an injury.
Mrs Stella Smaragdi, athletics Paralympian (Rio 2016, London 2012) described her personal experiences and the challenge for athletes to continuously improve their performance.
Mr Eleftherios Matsigkos, Physiotherapist (MSc SEPT, Cardiff University, MDc) talked about physiotherapy’s contribution to sports and the importance of new, improved therapeutic protocols in restoring sports injuries.
Mr Athanasios Mandroukas, Sports Science professional (MSc Sports & Exercise Science Leeds Beckett University, PhDc) and strength and conditioning coach in Iraklis FC, analysed the use of the isokinetic dynamometer in evaluation and rehabilitation.
Finally, Dr Maria Mitsiou closed the proceedings of the 1st Sports Physiotherapy Forum referring to the importance of specialisation and evidence based practice, by using specific case studies.
Mr Savas Kofidis and Mr Sakis Anastasiadis along with athletes and coaches from Iraklis FC, honoured the event with their presence.
The Forum was endorsed by IEK ALFA, PAOK BC, the Hellenic Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport, the European College of Sports & Exercise Physicians and the “OLYMPIADA” Sports Centre.
Info: Mediterranean College Thessaloniki, Egnatia 2-4, Tel.: 2310 287779
[email protected] & www.medcollege.edu.gr
