What is Athletic Therapy?

Athletic Therapy is a health care profession that specializes in prevention, emergency care, assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries (muscles, joints, ligaments, bones).  Following a Sport Medicine Model of care, an Athletic Therapist utilizes contemporary rehabilitation methods including manual therapies, therapeutic modalities, corrective exercise, physical reconditioning, taping and bracing in order to accelerate an individual’s return to pre-injury status.  Many people may recognize an Athletic Therapist as the person on the sidelines with professional sports teams that will respond to emergency situations on the court, field or ice.  Athletic Therapists however, work in a variety of settings including with professional, high school, university/collegiate and amateur sports, in sport medicine clinics, fitness centers, insurance companies, and as orthopaedic bracing specialists.

The scope of practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist is based on a foundation of intensive training in the human musculoskeletal system, exercise physiology, biomechanics and emergency care.  Theoretical and practical education prepares an Athletic Therapist to specialize in injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation in both on field sport settings, and clinical care.

The certification process for an Athletic Therapist involves completion of a Bachelors Degree program at one of seven accredited post secondary institutions in Canada.  Candidates also must complete 1200 hours of on-field and clinical practical training and obtain a First Responder Certification.  Once qualified, Candidates can attempt the National Certification Exam which includes a comprehensive written and practical exam.  Upon successful completion of the exam, Candidates receive the title Certified Athletic Therapist, designated in Canada by the letters CAT(C).

Athletic Therapists are governed under the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and are also required to hold membership within their respective provincial association.  All Athletic Therapists must demonstrate on-going training in rehabilitation, orthopedic assessment and emergency care by acquiring approved continuing education credits through courses, conferences and practice development.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Wondering if your insurance provider covers Athletic Therapy services? 

The following providers cover Athletic Therapy, however, it is recommended that you contact your provider to confirm coverage before receiving treatment.

  • All Sport Insurance Marketing
  • Canadian Hockey Association
  • Empire
  • Great West Life
  • Green Shield
  • Manulife
  • Sunlife
  • The Co-Operators

TEMPLATE LETTERS TO EMPLOYERS / INSURERS

Request for addition of Athletic Therapy: Employee letter to employer

Request for addition of Athletic Therapy: Employee letter to insurance company

 

Learn more about Athletic Therapy at athletictherpy.org

 

 

 

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