As global attention to sports rehabilitation (especially in higher education) and the rapid development of the sports industry intensify, China has recognized the importance of this field. This paper discusses the critical role that Chinese higher education institutions play in training sports rehabilitation professionals to meet the growing societal and industrial demands. The study identifies the main issues facing sports rehabilitation education in Chinese higher education institutions through systematic analysis, including a mismatch between curriculum and market demands, insufficient faculty, inadequate practical training facilities, students' lack of professional awareness, and inadequate institutional management. These findings highlight the gap between current educational practices and industry needs, urgently calling for curriculum updates, strengthened faculty development, improved practical training infrastructure, and better student career guidance. The research suggests improvements to optimize the quality of sports rehabilitation education and professional training, which are crucial for aligning with industry standards and enhancing student employability and professional development. These improvements could significantly enhance the quality and relevance of sports rehabilitation education, thereby supporting broader public health goals and the professionalization of this field in China.