Sports science has been a huge growth area for elite athletes in recent years, and one of Scotland’s most innovative projects is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Edinburgh University’s Fitness Assessment and Sports Injury Clinic (FASIC), based at the Pleasance Centre for Sport and Exercise, was originally founded by physiotherapist Lindsay Thomson, and she gained great support from both Dr Donald McLeod and assistant director Malcolm Brown.

The Clinic was officially opened on February 20, 1989, by Alex Currie, the then Secretary of the University of Edinburgh.

From its humble beginnings, FASIC has grown significantly and now proudly boasts a reputation as the largest sports injury centre in Scotland and one of the most respected in the UK. 

With 30 employees covering a range of disciplines, it has helped numerous sportsmen and women reach the peak of their performance. Nine members of Team GB at last year’s Olympics – swimmers Kirsty Balfour, Gregor Tait and Kris Gilchrist, judo’s Euan Burton, Sam Ingram and Michelle Rodgers plus hockey’s Stephen Dick and Graeme Moodie and Laura Bartlett – all benefited from the expertise.

World Cup skiers Finlay Mickel, brothers Alain and Noel Baxter and Andy Noble all seek regular support from FASIC.

“A modern day sports clinic not only helps athletes recover from injury, but it also provides preventative measures,” explained FASIC Manager, Treena Shaw. “We can analyse athletes in action, liaise with the coaches and other support staff and then work on enhancing their skills through the multi disciplinary approach.

“I’ve been with FASIC since the start and am very proud of the way it has grown over the 20 years. There is now a second University clinic at Peffermill playing fields and satellite clinics at Westwoods Health Club and Meadowmill Sports Centre.

“Throughout, we have always had great support from other services, and we work very closely with the British Olympic Association, Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Scottish Institute of Sport and all Area Institutes of sport.

In addition to nurturing the world-class performers, FASIC also provides assessment and treatment for every level and all ages of sports enthusiasts.

It also plays an educational role, providing a Sports Medicine Module for medical students as part of their optional degree course - Applied Sports Science - and delivering presentations to the wider community.
   
FASIC will mark Founders Day with a talk and get together at the Pleasance on  February 20th when the speakers will include Stephen Dick (hockey) Professor Donald McLeod and Dr Brian Walker, Medical Director Scottish Institute of Sport.