A Day in the Life of a Tournament Physiotherapist: Yonex All England Badminton Championships
Hello there!
My name is Keely, and I’m one of the physiotherapists at Onebody Clinic in Chiswick. As a musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist, I’ve worked across different sports, including rugby and badminton.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Yonex All England Badminton Championships—the oldest and one of the most prestigious badminton events in history—as the deputy tournament physiotherapist. Today, I’m giving you an inside look into the world of sports physiotherapy and what my role as a tournament physiotherapist entails.
Preparation: Pre-Tournament
Tournament physiotherapists are usually selected well in advance, allowing time to arrange annual leave, accommodation, and travel. Coordination is key—we liaise to ensure we have all necessary medical supplies, such as plinths, taping materials, and splints.
For this event, I spent a week in Birmingham at the Utilita Arena, arriving on Sunday, March 9th, and returning on Sunday, March 16th.
Training Day: Physiotherapists’ Day Zero
Training day is when all competing nations get their first opportunity to train on the match courts. For tournament physiotherapists, this is our Day Zero—the day we set up and prepare.
Our first tasks include:
Setting up the medical room with plinths, privacy screens, and documentation.
Ensuring we have enough medical supplies for athlete care.
Collecting radios and headsets from event control. Physiotherapists in badminton remain mic’d up throughout the event, except when treating athletes.
We also scope out the venue, identifying treatment areas in the warm-up zones, final warm-up courts, and the physio room. Throughout the day, we introduce ourselves to physiotherapists from national teams, offer use of the physiotherapy room for private treatments, and connect with independent athletes who don’t have their own medical staff—these athletes often become our primary responsibility for the tournament.
Match Day: All Hands on Court!
On Day 1 of competition, we arrive at the venue 60–90 minutes before the first shuttlecock is hit. The medical team—consisting of two tournament physiotherapists and two doctors (one sports medicine doctor and one A&E doctor per shift)—meets to discuss any key events from the previous day and review athlete treatment bookings.
Athletes request treatment before or after their matches and training sessions. One physiotherapist remains stationed in the treatment room, while the other moves around the venue. If a medical call comes through, the closest available physiotherapist responds.
Treatments vary widely, but common requests include:
Ankle taping (using zinc oxide or kinesiology tape).
Soft tissue massage (pre- or post-game).
Cryotherapy for recovery.
Beyond treatment, we aim to create a safe and welcoming space for athletes. Our physio room includes showers, sofas, and snacks—a dream setup after an intense three-set match! Communication is also a vital part of the job. When dealing with complex injuries, we collaborate, pooling knowledge and resources to ensure the best possible care for the athlete.
Finals Day: The Finish Line in Sight
Finals day is the last push for both athletes and the medical team. Many competitors leave after being knocked out, but some stay if they have another tournament coming up, such as the Swiss Open.
The flow of visitors—athletes, umpires, volunteers, and staff—remains steady right until the end. Our priority is ensuring finalists have everything they need, from ice bags to strapping, while supporting their physiotherapists and medical teams.
Final Thoughts
Being a tournament physiotherapist is a demanding but incredibly rewarding experience. The connections made and knowledge shared are invaluable. This year at the All England, I met incredible physiotherapy colleagues, and we continue to exchange advice, discuss cases, and refine treatment techniques.
Here’s to hoping we reunite for another All England Championships next year!
Signing out,
Keely
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