Athletic Therapists specialize in the prevention and care of musculoskeletal disorders (muscles, bones, joints) especially as they relate to athletics and the pursuit of physical activity.
An Athletic Therapist is a certified member of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). Athletic Therapists are dedicated to providing services to the active individual that includes the prevention, immediate care, and ongoing rehabilitation of those injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, equipment selection, fitting and repair, and adapting the individual to the activity, environment, and facilities. The immediate care of the athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, and utilization of techniques to facilitate a safe return to participation. A Certified Athletic Therapist facilitates one’s physical conditioning by designing and implementing programs aimed at reducing the risk of injury, illness or health-related conditions, thus preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
Conditions commonly treated with Athletic Therapy include:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Sports-related injuries
- Postural strain relief
- Rotator cuff injury
- Joint injury and disorder
- Neurological disorder
- Acute and chronic pain
- Pre and Post Surgical Care
- Common injuries from falls, daily activities and sports
- Concussion recognition, management and safe return-to-play protocols
- Workplace and motor vehicle accidents
