Currently focusing on achieving a Masters in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Christine Alphonso has a passion for sports

By Timothy Jaikarran

The year 2019 has been a successful year for the young and upcoming physiotherapist Christine Alphonso. Being one of a few female physiotherapists in Guyana, she counts it a privilege to impart her knowledge to athletes while focusing on what the future holds.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Alphonso said, “I graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Distinction) in Physiotherapy in 2016. I’ve been in this field for a little more than two years. I chose this career because I have a strong passion for helping people, and in the area of sports there are a variety of injuries whereby I can use by skill to nurse them back to full fitness. I really enjoy sports, and cricket is one of my favourite.”
Alphonso said that although there aren’t many significant injuries on the field, most cricketers present to the sports department with a lot of shoulder issues contracted from bowling, such as injuries affecting the rotator cuff and scapular stabilising muscles, and other injuries affecting the knee and ankle.
Physiotherapy helps cricketers to prevent injuries, minimise risk, and recover from injuries. Batting, bowling and fielding can carry serious injury risks for cricketers, Alphonso said.
She told this publication that, as a physiotherapist, she plays a big role in treating those injuries, as players sometimes would need education on preventing the injury in the future, or simply be nursed back to fitness enough to return to the game.
While she believes that educating the player is top priority, there are times when an educational session would have to be done with the coaches.
“I would like to thank my supervisors for allowing me the opportunity to work at the games, and the officials at the games who also show such a warm welcome. As of now, I will definitely start preparing myself towards a Master’s in Orthopedic Physical therapy.”