FAQs

What is the difference between Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy?

An Athletic Therapist specializes in sport-specific orthopedic assessment, treatment, prevention and maintenance. Our education focuses specifically on joint and soft-tissue healing directed towards active people and high level athletes.

Physiotherapy covers a wide range of physical ailments, whereas Athletic Therapists specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries sustained through physical activity. Physiotherapists are trained more broadly in the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. They treat acute injuries, overuse and work-related conditions, trauma from motor vehicle accidents, and a variety of other ailments the general population experiences.

For more information about Athletic Therapy and the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association please visit our National website at www.athletictherapy.org

What types of courses are included in your curriculum?

• Assessment and Rehabilitation of Injuries (I, II, III, IV)
• Anatomy (Upper Extremity[UE], Lower Extremity [LE], Functional Anatomy of the UE, Functional Anatomy of the LE, Spinal Anatomy)
• Conditions of the Upper and Lower Quadrant
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics of the Upper and Lower Extremity
• Pathophysiology
• Psychology of Sport
• Protective Equipment and Bracing
• Sports Nutrition
• Therapeutic Exercise (I, II)
• Therapeutic Modalities
• Manual Therapy Techniques (Massage, PNF, and Mobilizations)

In addition to course and lab work Athletic Therapists must complete 1200 hours of field and clinical work prior to certification.

What is an orthopedic injury?

Orthopedic injuries are conditions of the muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves and fascia of the body. This includes any injuries dealing with the back, neck, shoulders, knees, elbows, hands, feet, shins etc. We also treat referral pain injuries, including: tension headaches, neurological pain (i.e. tingling, numbness, sharp shooting pain) into the extremities and chronic pain injuries.

Is Athletic Therapy covered by insurance companies?

The following are letters for your Human Resources department and your insurance company, should they need additional information on Athletic Therapy.

1. Patient to Human Resources
2. Patient to Insurance Company

Athletic Therapy is recognized by most insurance companies, but you must check with each individual plan to see if Athletic Therapy is covered.

Athletic Therapy is not covered under OHIP.

Some insurance companies will put an and/or policy on their rider, which means you can be covered by Physiotherapy and/or Athletic Therapy, but you must contact your insurance company in order to arrange this.

If you are a member of the Minor Hockey Association, Rugby Canada, or the Kingston Soccer Clubs you are covered for Athletic Therapy under their insurance policy should you sustain an injury during a sanctioned event.