Athletic therapy focuses on the prevention, assessment, immediate care and rehabilitation of injuries to the musculoskeletal system – the muscles, bones and joints. Although the name comes from sport, athletic therapy is for everyone: from competitive athletes and weekend warriors to people recovering from a fall, a repetitive strain or surgery. As with all of our practitioners, you do not need a medical referral to book an appointment.
Athletic therapy is effective in addressing a wide array of conditions, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Running injuries, such as knee pain, IT band syndrome and plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis of the shoulder, elbow, knee or Achilles
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle imbalance, weakness and poor movement control
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Returning to sport, work or daily activity after an injury
What athletic therapy involves
- Assessment:
- A detailed history and physical assessment of your injury, posture and movement to understand what is causing your symptoms.
- An explanation of the findings and a treatment plan built around your goals, whether that is a pain-free walk or a return to competition.
- Prevention:
- Postural and movement evaluation, warm-up and conditioning programs, and supportive taping to reduce the risk of injury.
- Advice on training loads, recovery and equipment – common causes of sprains, strains and running injuries.
- Immediate care:
- Early management of new injuries to control pain and swelling and protect the injured area so it can begin to heal.
- Rehabilitation and reconditioning:
- Hands-on soft tissue therapy, therapeutic modalities and progressive exercise to restore strength, mobility and control.
- A gradual, monitored return to sport, work and everyday activity.
Treatments that may be part of your plan
Depending on your assessment, athletic therapy at Health Club Wellness Clinic may include:
- Exercise prescription and active rehabilitation
- Soft tissue therapy
- Kinesio taping and athletic taping
- Shockwave therapy
- Laser therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Custom foot orthotics, where foot mechanics play a role
Is athletic therapy right for me?
Athletic therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic care overlap, and the best fit depends on your injury and goals. If you are not sure where to start, try our service finder or call us and we will help you choose. Coverage for athletic therapy varies between extended health plans, so check your plan or ask our front desk to help you confirm.
Related reading: Sprains and Strains – Common Causes, Treatments and Recovery and Jogging Ahead.