There are many similarities between Physiotherapists and Athletic Therapists when it comes to orthopaedic (musculoskeletal and biomechanical) assessments in the clinical setting. It is largely in the treatment styles and varying work environments in which they differ. Certified Athletic Therapists “specialize” in musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation of all physical injuries as well as sport-specific exercise rehabilitation. Athletic therapy is based on the sports medicine model of rehabilitation which aims to not only get you back from injury as quickly and as safely as possible, but also to make you stronger than you were prior to injury. Often bridging the gap between a traditional physiotherapist and a personal trainer.

That said, many physiotherapists can go on to also specialize in sport therapy. In addition physiotherapists can also provide dry-needling techniques as well as manipulative therapy techniques which are both outside of the athletic therapy scope.

Both Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy also have differing educational requirements as well as differing governing bodies. Both of which are required to abide by a strict code of ethics as well as to commit to a minimum annual continuing education credit requirement.

Everyone can benefit!! And you most definitely do not need to be an athlete!

The overall motto of an athletic therapist (AT) is “we are all athletes”, in that we all strive to move better, become stronger and more resilient, and excel in the movement required of us.

Think “Functional Therapy”.

Other than the athletic population, athletic therapy can also be beneficial to those suffering from all forms of aches, pains or biomechanical disadvantages. An athletic therapists aim is to get you back to whatever it is you enjoy doing while mitigating future injuries.

AT’s typically treat:

• Work-related injuries

• Sports-related injuries

• Chronic or acute back and neck pain

• Motor vehicle accident-related injuries (ICBC)

• Repetitive strain injuries

• Pre- and post-surgery conditions/needs

If you have an ache or a pain, an Athletic Therapist will thoroughly assess your condition and provide the best care for your specific injury, before prescribing an individualized exercise program appropriate for each individuals needs.

Athletic Therapists are determined to return patients to work or play in better condition than they were prior to their injury. Whether you have an injury or want to prevent an injury from occurring, an Athletic Therapist can help.

If you are already suffering with pain, treatment will take precedence within an appointment in order to control for pain/inflammation.

For the individual who is interested in prevention: activity-specific training, postural correction, or improving mechanics may be the best approach and therefore take precedence within an appointment.

Certified Athletic Therapists pride themselves on a thorough and functional total body assessment. This assessment allows the therapist to best decide where the pain/limitations are coming from, while explaining the cause and effect of these imbalances/asymmetries.

The therapist will then create, implement and facilitate individualized treatment plans for optimal recovery, rehabilitation and for everyday maintenance. Your therapist will accomplish this by utilizing modern (often hands on) rehabilitation techniques as seen fit. These techniques may include, but are not limited to; soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, muscle reconditioning, and exercise prescription/rehabilitation.

A key philosophy and component of Athletic Therapy is patient education. Proper awareness and understanding of the injury, treatments, rehabilitation process, and preventative measures of how to avoid reoccurrence of injury is crucial for a quick and successful return to your desired activities of daily life.

1) Yes, Athletic Therapy does treat both ICBC and WCB patients injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident.

However, it is the responsibility of the patient to ensure they will be reimbursed by their respective providers as we do not direct bill.

Often, approval by your adjuster or insurer is required before-hand and a doctor’s recommendation would also be beneficial.

2) Athletic Therapy can often be an ideal therapeutic style for both motor vehicle and work-related injuries as they aim to get you back as soon as prudently possible, while ensuring your exercise rehabilitation plan is specific to you and your needs. Seeking an Athletic Therapists help can often eliminate the need to go to two separate therapy types (in treatment and exercise programming).

All professional members of the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA) have passed university and college program courses specified by the CATA. After having completed 1200 hours comprised of both clinical and field work, a stringent written and practical set of national exams will also have been successfully completed. Certified Athletic Therapists participate in an annual mandatory maintenance of certification program. This ensures that all Athletic Therapists demonstrate that they continually remain current with the developments in their professional field. The National and Provincial chapters work together to oversee the certification process, the continuing education, and the professional development of its members. CATA is a leader in an active approach to health care in Canada and over the years, has gained credibility and professional status while becoming increasingly recognized throughout the health care community.