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What is athletic therapy?

Athletic therapy focuses on the effective treatment of musculoskeletal (muscles, bones, and joints) injuries using a mix of on-site care, injury assessment, and active rehabilitation. Athletic therapists adhere to the Sports Medicine Model of care. They treat a wide range of patients, from professional athletes to the weekend warrior, using various manual therapies, modalities, postural/biomechanical correction, exercise prescription, bracing, and taping.

The treatments may vary but the objective doesn’t: An athletic therapist's goal is to help clients return to their usual activities, whether that means playing competitive sports or continuing activities of daily living.

What can athletic therapy treat?

Athletic therapists can assess and treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries - from chronic muscular pain to acute trauma. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:

- Sprains and strains: common athletic injuries
- Joint dislocations: such as shoulder dislocations
- Tendonitis: inflammation of tendons
- Concussions: for return-to-sport protocols
- Postural issues: addressing alignment problems
- Rehabilitation post-surgery: after orthopedic procedures
- Shin splints: pain along the shinbone
- ACL tears: Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries
- Tennis and golfer's elbow: overuse conditions
- Groin injuries: common in sports like soccer and hockey

Can I still see an athletic therapist if I am not a competitive athlete?

Absolutely, athletic therapy can help treat injuries regardless of how involved in sport you currently are. We see a variety of individuals looking for change, whether that be decreasing pain, reaching individual goals in daily living, or improving for professional sport, we are here to help. 

If I am not an athlete, how will athletic therapy help me?

Whether it’s better back mechanics to help with gardening or picking up your children, athletic therapists can correct muscle imbalances and make every day activities ergonomically efficient.

Preventative care strategies to reduce injury can also be recommended. Athletic therapy is for everyone. If you are in pain, you can benefit from getting treatment from an athletic therapist.

What makes an athletic therapist different from other rehabilitation professionals?

Athletic therapists focus not only on manual therapy, but emphasize exercise rehabilitation to restore proper function and recovery from injury and pain. We look at the whole picture to determine where the true source of the pain or deficiency is coming from. We work closely with individuals in the Clinic as well as in the field to help provide tools to ensure a stronger and more efficient human body and focus our work to encourage an active lifestyle.

Do I need to be injured or in pain to see an athletic therapist?

Absolutely not! Our athletic therapists offer running analysis and bracing to help reduce injury and return you to your favourite activities. We also can design programs to improve your strength for sport or everyday living. Maintaining to ensure injuries do not occur is one of our mottos, so getting in to see an athletic therapist to prevent injury is also ideal.

Is athletic therapy covered by OHIP or my insurance?

Most insurance plans will offer coverage. Please check your individual plans for more details. Athletic therapy is not covered under OHIP plans. The Sport Medicine Clinic will provide you with an invoice to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Do I need a referral to see an athletic therapist at the Sport Medicine Clinic?

Most likely a referral is not necessary. However, you may need a referral if your insurance coverage requires a doctor’s note.

Is the Sport Medicine Clinic accepting new patients for athletic therapy?

Yes! Please call 416-865-0903 or click here to book your appointment.