Athletic Therapy

The Canadian Athletic Therapist Association (CATA) is an organization devoted to the health care of the physically active individual. A Certified Athletic Therapist must have fulfilled the academic and practical requirements as outlined by the CATA. Certified members have successfully completed a comprehensive theory exam and a subsequent oral/practical exam developed and administered by the certification board of the CATA.

The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.

The provision of on-field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.

A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.

The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual. Concomitant with the execution of this role, the Athletic Therapist nurtures an attitude of positive health.

The Certified Athletic Therapist must present annual documentation demonstrating continued professional development to maintain their status with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

Referenced from the CATA website.

Registered Massage Therapy

What is Massage therapy

What is Massage Therapy? Massage therapy is the assessment and hands-on manipulation of the soft-tissues and joints of the body. Massage therapy is used in both the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction. It also helps to restore normal function of the body by improving circulation and flexibility of the muscles while decreasing tension and pain. Massage therapy can play a vital role in injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation.

What is Sport Massage therapy

Sport Massage Therapy prevents muscle and tendon injuries. It helps to reduce the strain and discomfort of training and chronic strain patterns allowing a quicker return to maximum training levels enabling the athlete to recover more quickly from myofascial injury with less change of chronic problems returning. It provides a psychological boost to the athlete, consistent with his or her commitment to high performance. Sport Massage also enhances a preventative approach to athletic training, whereby soft tissues are free of trigger points and adhesions, thus contributing toward the improvement of peak neuromuscular functioning. Pre-Event massage stimulates circulation, calms nervous tension, and prepares the athlete for optimal performance while reducing the chances of injury where as Post Event massage relieves soreness and assists in the removal of lactic acid and other waste products. Training massage focuses on the prevention of developing chronic injuries and aids in the healing process of current ones.

Referenced from the CSMTA Website