When an athlete decides to see an athletic therapist, it is generally because they are dealing with some type of pain from an injury. In many cases, the athlete will have been dealing with the pain long enough that it has started to affect their performance. And in some cases, the pain may be so bad that the athlete is unable to participate in their sport at all.
What is a Certified Athletic Therapist?
A Certified Athletic Therapist is a practitioner who assesses, treats, and helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries. They are often involved in the rehabilitation process of athletes who have sustained injuries.
Certified Athletic Therapists can provide a variety of treatments for athletes, including massage therapy, ice therapy, and stretching exercises. They can also give the athlete advice on how to best manage their injury.
There are many reasons why an athlete might seek athletic therapy. Some athletes may be referred to an athletic therapist by their coach or doctor in order to receive treatment for an injury. Others may seek out an athletic therapist on their own accord in order to treat pain or prevent injuries from occurring.
Athletic therapists can provide a variety of services to athletes, including:
- Assessing injuries and developing treatment plans
- Administering treatments such as massage, mobilization, and therapeutic exercises
- Designing and implementing rehabilitation programs
- Educating athletes on injury prevention and proper nutrition
An Athletic Therapist can help with a wide range of injuries and conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprain
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Concussion
- Elbow pain or tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Headache
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
Athletic therapists can use a variety of techniques to treat injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise prescription
- Bracing and taping
- Modalities such as heat, cold, and ultrasound
Athletic therapists are an important part of the healthcare team for many athletes. If you are an athlete who is experiencing pain or has sustained an injury, seeing an athletic therapist can help you recover and get back to your sport.
If you are an athlete who has sustained an injury, or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any of the above-mentioned areas, you may benefit from seeing an athletic therapist.
When Should An Athlete See an Athletic Therapist?
If you are an athlete, it is generally a good idea to seek out the help of an athletic therapist if you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain (muscle pain, bone pain, or joint pain) or discomfort that affects your ability to participate in your chosen sport or activity.
Certified Athletic Therapists are specifically trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries, so they can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Athletic Therapists focus on supporting a viable path to complete rehabilitation, helping athletes recover from injuries and resume activities respective to their occupation, sport, and aspirations.
If you are unsure whether or not you should see an athletic therapist, you can always consult with your doctor or another healthcare professional for guidance. Contact Continuum Health Centre in Victoria, BC or click here to book an appointment with one of our Certified Athletic Therapists. We would be happy to provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decision for your health and wellbeing.