What is Athletic Therapy?
Athletic Therapy is a healthcare profession focused on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Athletic Therapists specialize in on-site emergency care and are often the first responders when injuries occur during sport or physical activity. They quickly assess the situation, determine injury severity, and decide whether further medical care is required.
Athletic Therapists use a wide range of evidence-based treatments to help individuals recover, improve performance, and return to activity safely. These include exercise prescription, hands-on manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice and heat therapy, bracing, and taping.
While Athletic Therapists are commonly associated with sports, they work with people of all ages and activity levels including athletes, dancers, first responders, office workers, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to restore function, reduce pain, prevent future injury, and support long-term physical health.
Benefits
Personalized injury assessment & treatment plans
Faster and safer return to sport or daily activities
Hands-on care from injury to full recovery
Injury prevention & performance enhancement
Improved mobility, strength, and function
Education to reduce risk of re-injury
Who Can Benefit from Athletic Therapy?
Competitive & recreational athletes
Youth and adult sports participants
Active individuals recovering from injury
Workers with repetitive strain or postural issues
Individuals returning to activity after surgery
Anyone looking to move better and stay injury-free
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
KEYARA VALENCIA-HINDS, CAT(C)
Keyara is a Certified Athletic Therapist whose practice is grounded in lived athletic experience, community care, and a whole-person approach to rehabilitation. A former high-performance rugby athlete, Keyara brings firsthand insight into movement, resilience, and recovery, viewing every person as an athlete, whether in sport or in life.
She has experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, older adults, and collegiate, provincial, and professional athletes across multiple sports. Keyara holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from McMaster University and a degree in Athletic Therapy from Concordia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to be an athlete to see an Athletic Therapist?
No. While Athletic Therapists commonly work with athletes, they treat people of all ages and activity levels including office workers, first responders, dancers, older adults, and individuals recovering from surgery or injury.
What types of injuries do Athletic Therapists treat?
Athletic Therapists treat sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, overuse injuries, post-surgical conditions, and chronic pain related to muscles, joints, and ligaments.
What is the difference between Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Athletic Therapists specialize in sport and activity-related injuries and often provide on-site emergency care. Both professions focus on rehabilitation, but Athletic Therapy places strong emphasis on functional movement, performance, and return-to-activity.
Can I direct bill services to my insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans include coverage for Athletic Therapy services; however, coverage details can vary. We recommend reviewing your individual plan to confirm whether Athletic Therapy is covered, if a doctor’s referral is required, and whether direct billing is available at our clinic. In many cases, clients are responsible for submitting claims to their insurance provider for reimbursement. For a full list of associated costs, please visit our Service Fees page.
What should I expect during an athletic therapy appointment?
During an Athletic Therapy session, your first visit will begin with a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed injury history, physical examination, and movement analysis to identify the source of pain or functional limitations.
Based on these findings, your Athletic Therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, whether that involves returning to sport, improving everyday movement, or preventing future injuries.
Treatments may include hands-on techniques such as manual therapy, soft tissue work, stretching, and therapeutic modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cupping, shockwave, and ice or heat therapy. Your session will also incorporate guided rehabilitation exercises aimed at restoring strength, flexibility, balance, and efficient movement.
Throughout the process, your Athletic Therapist will provide education on injury prevention, posture, movement patterns, and self-care strategies to support long-term recovery and performance.