The Mental Health Challenges and Impacts on Physiotherapists Working in Male Professional Norwegian Football

Our study investigated the mental health experiences of physiotherapists working in male professional Norwegian football. Semistructured interviews with 16 male participants from 14 different football clubs in Norway’s top two divisions for men were conducted. The interviews revealed that the overall experience of working in football was positive. However, participants revealed several concerns regarding their role in professional football. Following a thematic analysis, four themes were constructed: “In the firing line,” “Injuries that hurt both ways,” “Always on call—Often off balance,” and “Sidelining family for football.” These themes represented the most challenging aspects of being a physiotherapist in professional Norwegian football, how it affected the physiotherapists mental health, and the coping strategies that they used when faced with these challenges. Areas for improvement are highlighted; these include the need for increased social support from governing bodies and clubs, improved work–life balance, improved communication, and more opportunities for professional development.