Sports physiotherapy or regular physiotherapy in The Hague: what do you need?

Ian van der Werf

18 August 2026

Sports physiotherapy or regular physiotherapy: the difference is in the goal. Learn when each fits and how de Werf turns recovery into building, from complaint to load capacity.

Sports physiotherapy or regular physiotherapy: what do you need?

Choose sports physiotherapy if your complaint is linked to sport or heavy load and you want to return to your previous level. Choose regular physiotherapy for everyday complaints and general recovery. The difference is in the goal: sports physiotherapy works specifically towards load capacity and a return to sport, while regular physiotherapy takes a broader view of pain reduction and daily functioning.

Sports physiotherapy is a recognised specialisation within physiotherapy, a master-level qualification that in the Netherlands is registered through the KNGF and the professional association NVFS. A sports physiotherapist looks beyond the complaint, at the load your sport or work demands, and builds you up towards it.

What does a regular physiotherapist do?

A regular physiotherapist treats a broad range of complaints: back pain, neck complaints, recovery after surgery, everyday movement problems. The aim is mainly to become pain-free and able to function normally in daily life again.

What does a sports physiotherapist do?

A sports physiotherapist specialises in sport and load-related complaints. The focus is on active movement, sport-specific load and a return to your previous level. You keep training until your body can handle the load again.

When does each one fit?

Regular physiotherapy: everyday complaints, general recovery, not sport-related.
Sports physiotherapy: a sport or load-related complaint, returning to sport or work, preventing relapse.

Many treatment paths start with regular physiotherapy and move into sport-specific building once the pain is under control.

A real example from our practice

My knee hurt after running. With regular physiotherapy it got better, but as soon as I started training again, it came back. What helped me here was that we did not stop at pain-free. We built up the load step by step until my knee could handle a long run again. Now I run again, and it stays good.

How de Werf turns recovery into building

At de Werf, physiotherapy and training are under one roof. That means you do not have to continue on your own after the last treatment. Good physiotherapy does not stop at pain-free, but builds on towards load capacity: from complaint, to recovery, to stronger than before. Our Physiotherapy and Injury recovery connect directly, so your recovery does not stall halfway.

Knowing what you need

Not sure what suits your complaint? Schedule a no-obligation intake, and together we look at your complaint and your goal.

Read also:
Our coaching in physiotherapy and injury recovery.

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Frequently asked questions about sports physiotherapy and physiotherapy

Yes. At de Werf in The Hague we combine physiotherapy and sport-specific training under one roof, so your recovery continues until you can fully handle your sport or work again.

Regular physiotherapy addresses a broad range of complaints and daily functioning. Sports physiotherapy is a recognised specialisation focused on sport and load-related complaints and on returning to your previous level.

For most physiotherapy you have direct access, so you can come without a referral. For reimbursement and specific situations it is wise to check your health insurance.

Choose sports physiotherapy when your complaint is linked to sport or heavy load and you want to return to your previous level, or when a complaint keeps coming back as soon as you increase the load.

Not sure what you need?

Schedule a no-obligation intake at de Werf in The Hague. Together we look at your complaint, your goal and the build-up from recovery to load capacity.

Schedule an intake