Without a doubt, this is the most common question I hear from people who are unfamiliar with the practice and profession of athletic therapy. And I get it. If you are going to be seeing a stranger to treat your injury, you want to feel confident that they know what they are doing and can help you.
The short and sweet answer to ‘what is athletic therapy’ is- athletic therapists treat injuries. If you want the long-winded version, please keep reading!
Certified athletic therapists go to university to learn and specialize in musculoskeletal injuries (injuries to your muscles, nerves, joints, ligaments and bones). Not only are they educated about various types of injuries, they are taught how to assess and how to manage and treat the injury. Injuries athletic therapists see and treat can include a wide range of things such as: sciatica, ACL tears, arthritis, injuries from falls (ie. broken hips), injuries from motor vehicle accidents (ie. whiplash), runners knee and so much more!
Athletic therapists assess a wide range of patients from young children in pediatrics to older adults in geriatrics. They treat the everyday person who goes to the workplace to the professional athlete on the field.
Athletic therapists are also known for assessing and managing concussions sustained in sport, automobile accidents or at the workplace. They also help those who are pre or post surgery, such as hip and knee replacements.
Treatment methods used in athletic therapy may include manual therapies, therapeutic modalities, corrective exercise, physical reconditioning, taping and bracing in order to accelerate an individual’s return to pre-injury status.
If you are suffering with an injury and looking to get it treated, know you are in capable hands seeing an athletic therapist to get on the road to recovery. If you’re interested in seeing what Okanagan Athletic Therapy in Kelowna can do for your injury, click HERE to request to speak with a therapist!