Athletic Therapy

Athletic Therapy specializes in the assessment, rehabilitation, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This is achieved by using a blend of rehabilitative exercises and manual techniques.

Athletic Therapists treat a wide range of patients and injuries, from sports injuries to overuse or work injuries. They do this by using various treatment techniques including rehabilitative exercise programs, joint mobilization techniques, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (Graston Technique), and electric modalities (TENS, ultrasound, IFC).

What is the difference between Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists?

Both Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists treat the same types of injuries. Athletic Therapists are musculoskeletal injury specialists and therefore focus on the assessment and management of musculoskeletal injuries. As a result they follow the sports medicine model of rehabilitation, which primarily uses strength, range of motion, and proprioceptive exercises to return people to their regular activity. Physiotherapist education includes a wide range of specialties, including musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and advanced neurological conditions.

If I’m not a competitive athlete, can I still see an Athletic Therapist?

Anybody with a musculoskeletal injury can benefit from Athletic Therapy. While the roots of Athletic Therapy are based in sport medicine, the priorities and processes used are applicable to any injury.

What should I bring/expect from my first appointment?

Please bring clothing that you feel comfortable in that will allow the athletic therapist to access the injured area. There will be clothing and gowns on site for you to borrow if you do not bring any spare clothing but we want you to be as comfortable as possible for your assessment and treatment.

During the first appointment, the majority of the time will be spent conducting an in-depth initial assessment followed by a short treatment.  The assessment is used to determine the nature and severity of your injury while also providing valuable information to create a follow-up treatment plan. You will be given certain exercises that you can do at home, and adherence to your home program is crucial to improving your condition.

Subsequent treatments incorporate a combination of manual therapy techniques, rehabilitative modalities, prescriptive exercise and home care programming.