About Athletic Therapy

Athletic Therapists (AT) are highly trained professionals in the area of sports injury management.

ATs specialize in:

• injury prevention
• rehabilitation through strength and conditioning
• emergency care
• care of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
• education
• total active care

When an injury occurs, it is important to address the problem early on. ATs are trained to help athletes recover quickly with exercise progressions that are aggressive and adapted to the needs of the injury. They also have an advantage in helping the physically active because of their unique expertise in how the body moves and mechanism of injuries. In cooperation with doctors and other health professionals, the Athletic Therapist is an integral member of the health care system.

In the case of acute injuries (sprains, strains, surgeries), immediate detailed therapy is required for a safe and effective recovery. With chronic conditions (repetitive strains, overuse, pain), it is essential to find the events leading up to and causing the injury.

Efficient results are often achieved because the AT treats not only the injured part, but also the individual as a whole. If you are frustrated with conservative or passive approaches, Athletic Therapy will educate you and help you get the results you are seeking.

The Athletic Therapist assesses and treats injuries and conditions by using:

• core reconditioning and balancing
• contemporary rehabilitative techniques
• soft tissue mobilization
• sport-specific physical reconditioning
• supportive strapping procedures
• progressive stretching
• soft tissue / myofacial release techniques (for more information see below)
• muscle energy techniques (for more information see below)

Athletic therapy promotes an environment for optimal healing, preparing you for a safe return to an active lifestyle.

For more information about Athletic Therapy, you can visit the national Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (www.athletictherapy.org) website.

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Soft Tissue Release / Myofacial Release Techniques

These hands-on techniques target adhesions and restrictions in soft tissue.

Repetitive strains, acute trauma, microtrauma can change the normal mechanical function of a joint, multiple joints or the body as a whole. Reducing and eliminating restrictions and adhesions during therapy is essential to having the body return to normal function.

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Muscle energy technique (MET)

Muscle energy technique is another non-invasive hands-on technique. MET normalizes joint motion – of almost any joint in the body – using the patient’s own gentle contractions and body positioning.

Basically, it is an electro-physiological trick to help muscles relax more quickly. With the therapist’s direction, the therapist and client work together to change the mechanics and function of the dysfunctional joint and surrounding tissues.

This technique is mostly done on the lumbar spine, sacrum and pelvis because balancing these areas helps relieve symptoms. MET also helps to lengthen a shortened muscle, relax or increase muscle tension and increase muscle strength.

MET is helpful for most people, but in particular, it is helps those who have restrictions in movement, back aches, head aches, scoliosis, sciatica or bad circulation.