Athletic Therapy
Athletic therapists are best known for on-field emergency care of elite athletes, providing immediate assistance and assessment. However, Athletic Therapists don’t only treat athletes; they can work with a wide range of patients, ranging from children with concussions to seniors recovering from hip replacements.
Athletic therapy focuses on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal (muscle, bone and joint) injuries and conditions. ProActive’s Certified Athletic Therapist is skilled at evaluating and diagnosing a variety of injuries, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing support throughout the healing process. Using treatments like manual therapy, exercise and taping, her goal is to see her clients return to their regular routines, whether that’s playing competitive sports, running marathons, or just walking to the mailbox and back.
Athletic therapy can be helpful for those struggling with:
- Joint injuries such as:
- Dislocation
- Subluxation
- Meniscus Tear
- Labral Tear
- Overuse injuries such as:
- Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Runner’s Knee
- Shin Splints
- Carpal Tunnel
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Strains and sprains
Scope of practice
An Athletic Therapist has a similar scope of practice as a musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, and can perform activities such as:
- Injury assessment and diagnosis
- Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue release and joint mobilization
- Exercise prescription and rehabilitation programs
- Taping and bracing to support and protect injured areas
- Sport-specific conditioning and training programs
How is Athletic Therapy different from Physiotherapy?
There is some overlap between athletic therapy and physiotherapy, however the two professions have different areas of focus and educational requirements.
Athletic Therapy is primarily focused on the assessment, prevention, and care of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, particularly those related to physical activity. Physiotherapy has a broader focus that includes the assessment, treatment, and management of a wide range of physical conditions and injuries, including neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues.
Our athletic therapist has a bachelor's degree in Athletic Therapy and is certified by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA).
