USAP: meeting at home with Laure Labelle, companion of Adrien Warion

How did you meet?

It was during my first internship in 2^e year of physiotherapy, integrating the Provence rugby team as an intern (Aix-en-Provence, Editor’s note) that I met Adrien where he was playing.

Can you tell us about your job? What made you want to be a physiotherapist?

Very early on, I knew that I was going to go into the health professions. When I had my competitive exam, I could have studied medicine, but I admit that I was more motivated for physiotherapy. There are many possibilities with more specializations: pediatrics, sports, in the hospital or in the office…

In your opinion, what are the qualities to be a good practitioner?

First of all, human qualities, there is a “psychological” part to our job. We need to take the time to talk with the patient. Certain structures today tend to want to make maximum profits. For me, physiotherapy is not that. Additionally, I think training is essential. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want to limit myself to what I learned at school, everything evolves very quickly in our profession.

Are you required to intervene in Adrien's recovery?

On a daily basis, he is supervised by health professionals. But on his days off, I suggest he come to the office, whether for recovery or for any pain he may have. He doesn't ask me often.

How are your schedules structured?

I work four full days at the office, I am off on Wednesday like Adrien to be together. Afterwards, our life is punctuated by training and matches. I am also involved with the USAP girls team in Elite 2, as 3^e line. I went from the pools where I swam for ten years to the rugby field. After watching Adrien play, I wanted to try it and I loved it. The matches take place most often on Saturday so, on Sunday, we both benefit. Considering our two schedules, we're doing pretty well.

Do you both have projects in the department?

In a rugby career, it's difficult to plan for the long term, to know where you will be in 5 or 10 years… In any case, we are very good here. Adrien's career within the USAP is evolving favorably and for me, whether sportingly or professionally, it's the same.

During matches, do you focus on your companion or do you soak up the atmosphere at the stadium?

Both. At the start of the match, I like to listen to the Catalan songs, the fervor that emanates from the stands, the lighting at night… But from the kick-off, I am in the match. Not so much for fear of Adrien's injuries, but rather to evaluate his performance on the field. When the final whistle blows, I know he will call me to debrief and then it will be a phone call to his dad, for whom his opinion matters enormously.

Does he have a ritual before entering the field?

I don't know everything. But he straps his wrists and writes the initials of his parents, his brother and mine on them.