I help injured players back on their feet

A distinct love for sports morphed into a career. Lamech Bogonko admits that from an early age, seeing his favourite players miss action due to injuries disturbed him to the core.  It is then that he started dreaming of becoming a physiotherapist so that he could treat sports injuries.

Fast forward to 2006, he enrolled for an undergraduate degree in sports physiotherapy, and in 2008, at only 21, he started working.

The father of two is no doubt living his dream. Bogonko has travelled widely with Kenya’s rugby team - Kenya 7s, worked with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards among other Kenyan football clubs as a medical consultant. In addition, he has helped notable politicians to overcome muscle strains. The young physio has since set up a state-of-the-art sports injury clinic, East Africa Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, in Pangani, Nairobi. 

Welcome to the world of sports medicine, the world of Lamech.

What does your job as a sport physio involve?

I diagnose and treat sports injuries using different electrotherapy modalities, joint manipulation and exercise prescription. I also rehabilitate players who have suffered career-threatening injuries to ease the process of healing, and to enable their quick return to training and playing. I also travel with teams during competitions, where I provide first aid services during sporting events or team setups. I also offer psychological support to athletes to stimulate their mental wellbeing and health.

Who are some of the notable sporting personalities you have worked with? Lessons from the engagements?

I have worked mostly with Kenya 7s players including Oscar Ayodi, Collins Injera, Humphrey Khayange and Billy Odhiambo. Some of the footballers include South Africa’s Nasief Morris and Harambee Stars’ Brian Mandera. I have had a session with Kenya’s javelin champion Julius Yego and treated MPs John Mbadi and Jakoyo Midiwo. Working with these top professional athletes early in my career helped me to develop professionalism and discipline required to practice at elite levels.

Your typical working day?

My day-to-day duties include examining and diagnosing injuries, planning treatment programmes, describing rehabilitation protocols, conducting pre-season musculoskeletal examinations and medical review on players. I also advise players on how to avoid injuries and give accurate timescales for when players may be able to play again after sustaining injuries to help teams in planning.

What are some of the highlights of your job?

Nothing elates me more than to see a sportsperson heal and get back to playing. Working with local football clubs and travelling with Kenya 7s during their World Rugby Series is always an exciting experience. I learn a lot during the tours.

Share with us your view on the scene of sports physiotherapy in the Kenyan context

Sports physiotherapy is still blooming in Kenya. With Kenya being an athletics hub, there are many working openings. However, there is a lot that both the private sector and the government could do to appreciate the uncommon careers, for instance by implementing the scheme of service among health workers and funding students pursuing courses in such careers.

What would you say is your most significant contribution to sports physiotherapy in Kenya?

I did my first Masters project on surveillance, management and prevention of sports injuries among rugby players in Kenya. This provided me with a clear insight of Kenya’s position in terms of injury prevention, and what we need to do as a country.  My current PhD project is on development of an online sports injury management system for both concussion and catastrophic sports injuries, which I believe will play a critical role in the sporting sphere.

Are there career decisions that you regret?

Choosing this career was perhaps my best decision, so no regrets. I draw absolute delight from what I do. My passion for sports has been key in my career development

What is the hardest part of your job?

It disheartens to see a player on the treatment table and unable to participate in games. Some muscle tears and tendon sprains take very long to heal, which means the athlete spends long on treatment. Moreover keeping up-to-date with information on sports injuries management and rehabilitation in Kenya is a big challenge because of the occupation’s newness in the country.            

Do you think there is an under-appreciation of some careers among Kenyan students and job seekers?

It’s sad that graduates continually look for opportunities in the same traditional careers, hence a glut of skills in the job market. Meanwhile, some areas suffer an acute shortage of manpower. It is ridiculous how students continue to study courses in fields where uptake of graduates is very low.

What have you managed to do while working as a sports physio?

When I began, I did not have my own premises, now I operate from my own clinic. I am also able to comfortably fend for my family, save and contribute to charity.

What are your aspirations in your career?

I have eight years’ worth of experience, and I want to be the best physiotherapist in East Africa. I visualise an institution that will offer quality injury assessment, diagnosis and treatment with excellent rehabilitation programmes.  East Africa Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic’s aim is to see athletes recover fully within the shortest time possible.  I also want to partner with other sports physicians, nutritionists and psychologists for proper management of athletes.

What is your advice to young people who have just graduated and are embarking on job searches?

It is important to try your hand in any kind of job as you work your way to your field of specialisation. Part-time jobs and voluntary work help to hone your skills, so don’t neglect them.

What steps should an aspiring sports physio take to get where you are?

A degree in sports physiotherapy is the basic requirement. Moi and Jomo Kenyatta universities offer the course from undergraduates to Masters and Doctorates levels. It is advisable for potential physiotherapists to stay updated in sporting activities, as this will form a career starting point. Additionally, having a clear purpose is instrumental.

How do you spend your free time?

Whenever I am not travelling with the rugby team, I spend time with my my wife and children. I am a football buff, so during the weekend I watch the Barclays Premier League.