Sports therapy

Training

The athletic therapist has a 3-year university education leading to a bachelor’s degree in athletic therapy. The CATA, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, oversees the certification process for accredited athletic therapists across the country. In addition to completing a bachelor’s degree, athletic therapists must complete the athletic therapy program at one of the eight CATA-accredited institutions in Canada, including practical field and clinical training. Candidates must hold a valid first responder certificate and, upon graduation, pass the national certification exam.

What is sports therapy?

Athletic therapists adhere to the sports medicine model of care. They treat a wide variety of patients, from children with concussions to the elderly who have undergone hip surgery. They use a variety of manual therapies, modalities and recommended exercises, as well as strengthening techniques and restrictive or proprioceptive taping. Treatments vary, but the goal of an athletic therapist remains the same: to help the patient return to his or her usual activities, whether that’s participating in competitive sports or walking to the mailbox.

Certified Athletic Therapists are recognized for their rapid intervention on the field and for the emergency care they provide to professional and elite athletes. First responders when someone is injured, they are experts at diagnosing an injury and treating it. It’s this combination of on-field care and active rehabilitation skills that enables athletic therapists to effectively treat musculoskeletal (muscle, bone and joint) injuries for all Canadians, both on the field and in the clinic.