Frequently asked Questions

Is Athletic Therapy only meant for athletes?

I can answer this with another question. How do you define an "athlete?"

If you described someone as being "athletic" you would probably be imagining someone who is physically fit, and proficient at physically taxing activities. The real question is does "athletic" always have to be attached to a sport? You could be a farmer, hairdresser, world traveler...etc. and still meet this criteria.

Erin is sitting next to a client who is completing a gripping exercise for their elbow pain. She is explaining what is happening to their body during different kinds of strengthening and stretching movements. She is helping them discover which ones will help with the muscles and tendons that are affected around the elbow.

Erin is standing next to a client, walking them through an overhead squat movement. Her aim is to help correct which muscles are working, and help cue the client on how to achieve a coordinated movement. Ultimately this will help enhance postural control, core strength, muscle flexibility and joint health.

Athletic Therapists are trained to fully understand what "athletic" demands are being placed on your body on a day to day basis. Athletic Therapists are also very good at understanding how your "sport" works because we spend so much time observing them from a sideline perspective. We really try to get in your shoes and see what you go through.

Being physically active is a "sport" and also a necessity of life. Everyone is an "athlete" in their own way, and for their own reasons.

AT's help active individuals get back to active things, no matter where that falls on the spectrum of life-athlete to pro-athlete. We are in the business of helping all walks of life to be lifelong athletes in a way that is uniquely meaningful.

Is Athletic Therapy different from Physiotherapy?

Erin's fanny pack is set up on her treatment table, displaying a Humboldt Broncos memorial pin for their Athletic Therapist Dayna Brons. Her emergency supplies and tape are laid out next to the fanny pack, ready to be used to help an athlete in need.

AT's are a bit of a different breed of healthcare provider than Physiotherapists.

Firstly, Athletic Therapists are found in both sideline AND clinical environments. This means that we are present on the sideline to keep athletes safe during training and competition. The second an injury happens, we are right there to help. Most Physiotherapists work in a clinical setting only. Some Orthopedic Physiotherapists go on to become "Sport Certified" to work sideline just like an Athletic Therapist.
Second, an Athletic Therapist's scope of practice is specific to prevent, rehabilitate and recondition bone, muscle, and joint conditions. Our best work is to not only return you to a pre-injury state, but also to prepare you for your return to activity where you feel fully confident and comfortable again. We are also trained as sport first responders for our sideline role.
Third, whether you play a sport or not, AT's specialize in preparing you for your athletic endeavours, whereas a Physiotherapist's scope of practice is more broad. There are other branches of physiotherapy outside of the most commonly known "orthopedic" physiotherapy, such as neurologic or cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Overall, physiotherapists are practitioners who treat disorders of the body that affect movement. This can be from medical conditions like a stroke, cystic fibrosis, or a heart attack, in addition to injuries that occur to the bones, muscles and joints.

Erin is standing in front of an athlete who is sitting on her treatment table. She is applying a prophylactic taping technique to support the athlete's wrist.

Will my Insurance Cover Athletic Therapy Services?

Athletic Therapists are a unique practitioner with a specific scope of practice, and so it cannot be billed as Physiotherapy. Check your insurance policy and see if "Athletic Therapy" is listed under the 'extended health' section of your plan.

If you are self employed, or have purchased your own health insurance, you can directly ask your insurance provider to have Athletic Therapy added as a practitioner under the "paramedical practitioners" list on the "extended health" section of your plan.

request-for-addition-of-athletic-therapy-employee-letter-to-insurance-company-english-2020.docx
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If you are employed, you will need to have your employer contact your insurance company to change what is available for coverage on your plan.

request-for-addition-of-athletic-therapy-employee-letter-to-employer-english-2020.docx
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Follow this link to see a general list of insurance companies that have covered Athletic Therapy in Canada.

A client is laying relaxed on Erin's treatment table, receiving treatment on their knee and calf muscles during a Fascial Stretch Therapy appointment.