Athletic Therapy - A Referral Option for Primary Care Providers

Athletic Therapy is an allied health care profession that is young in Canada, and not well understood outside of the Sports Medicine environment.

Certified and regulated under the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, athletic therapists are well trained and competent health care providers. Recognized by the credential CAT(C) or Certified Athletic Therapist, AT’s have attended one of 9 accredited institutions including extensive classroom and practical instruction at the bachelors level. They then undergo a rigorously tested valid and reliable national examination, and complete required CE courses on a three year cycle.

Guelph Performance Fitness & Therapy has been open in the Guelph Community since 2015. Owned and operated by Alana Gulka – Athletic Therapist and Registered Massage Therapist, we adhere to the moral and ethical guidelines set forth by the RHPA, and we are a patient centered clinic.

You can learn more about our team at Guelph Performance here.

Is Athletic Therapy covered by OHIP?

What is the scope of practice of an AT?

‘The scope of practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist starts with the in-depth knowledge, education, and training in the areas of the human musculoskeletal system, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and basic emergency care.’ – athletictherapy.org

The main focus of athletic therapy is on muscles, bones and joints, and how they function in the active individual. ATs Trained in through orthopedic assessment, and treatment using manual techniques, therapeutic rehabilitative exercise, activity modulation and safe graduated return to normal activities.

In addition to treatment of MSK injuries ATs

In addition to treatment of MSK injuries ATs at Guelph Performance:

Fit functional and custom braces for every day use (DonJoy)
Fit compression socks at 15-22mmHg and 20-30mmHg (Achi)
Work with athletes post concussion to prepare to return to play
Help transition back to work or back to sport post injury (hardening)

Do Athletic Therapists only treat athletes?

No. Athletic Therapists use the sports medicine approach to treat individuals of all activity levels with MSK injury or dysfunction. From sitting and standing to walking to elite sports participation!

What individuals shouldn’t be referred to AT?

Athletic Therapists are not authorized for any restricted acts such as acupuncture or HVLA spinal manipulations. They are also not able to order diagnostic imaging or refer directly to specialists.

Athletic Therapists might not be the best option for injuries with underlying causes or complications such as upper motor lesions, chronic pain syndromes, or developmental disabilities.

What if a patient is waiting for imaging or surgical / sports med consult to determine the extent of an injury?

Wait times for specialists and imaging are extensive. ATs are able to assess in the clinic while waiting for this information, and start treatment while protecting the injured site. Things we can do include pain and swelling management, mitigation of secondary complications, and often can begin rehab on a joint before specialist appointments come around. Early intervention often leads to shorter recovery time and better outcomes.

What role do ATs play in Concussion care?

Athletic Therapists are skilled in the recognition of concussions at time of injury, and we often are on site for football and rugby games in Guelph. While only an MD or NP can fully diagnose, or clear a player for return to play, clinical Athletic Therapy can help with:

treatment of MSK symptoms such as neck pain
Drills and exercises to help rehabilitate balance and coordination
Supervision of sub threshold exercise and activities to maintain health during recovery
Return to play protocols and advise when ready to return to activities

Is AT covered by Extended health benefits?

Approximately half of benefit plans cover Athletic Therapy. Also covered under supplemental insurance such as through sports associations or policies offered to students. We have gathered some information on our website here.