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What is Athletic Therapy?

Athletic therapy focuses on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in physically active individuals. Athletic therapists use a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and on-field emergency care to help athletes and active individuals recover from injuries and enhance their performance.

Athletic therapists work with individuals of all activity levels, from recreational athletes to non-athletes who have musculoskeletal injuries. Their expertise in injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation is beneficial for anyone seeking to recover from injuries or wanting to improve their physical wellbeing.

What can athletic therapy treat?

Athletic therapy can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including, but not limited to:

- Muscle tears: including hamstring and quadriceps injuries
- Fractures: after medical clearance
- Overuse injuries: common in sports
- Muscle imbalances: correcting strength disparities
- Back and neck pain: including sports-related discomfort
- Ankle and knee injuries: common in athletes
- Rotator cuff injuries: common in shoulder sports
- Meniscus tears: knee cartilage injuries
- Achilles tendonitis: inflammation of the Achilles tendon
- Stress fractures: often seen in runners

Can I still see an athetic 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 Adelaide Health 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 Adelaide Health Clinic?

You do not need a referral to see an athletic therapist. If you are in pain, you can schedule an appointment right away. However, every insurance plan is different so if you intend on utilizing your insurance benefits, it is recommended to check what your plan covers. In some cases, a medical referral is needed for coverage when seeing certain disciplines.

Is the Adelaide Health Clinic accepting new patients for athletic therapy?

Yes! Please call 416-367-5200 or click here today to book your appointment.