As an Athletic Therapist, I often get asked about the difference between Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy. While there is some overlap between the two fields, such as working win sporting environments and working with injuries there are also some differences in what we do as practitioners.

The education between Athletic Therapist and Physiotherapists differs in the sense that Athletic Therapy places a greater emphasis on the emergency care of acute injuries in a sport setting. There is a large focus on sideline assessment and management of injuries, taping techniques, and emergency management- this skillset allows Athletic Therapists to make quick return to play decisions and manage emergent situations at sporting practices and events. 

There is some overlap in a clinical setting between Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists, both are able to practice within a similar scope. There may be differences in the types of clientele we see due to slight differences in our education, Athletic Therapists will primarily look at the body from a musculoskeletal perspective (this means that we are looking at interactions between muscles, joints, and the neurological system as a whole), a Physiotherapist will have specializations in additional areas including cardiorespiratory, neurovascular and advanced neurological conditions. 

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Overall, Certified Athletic Therapist and Physiotherapists have the same goal for our patients and athletes. We are both important parts of a patient's healthcare team, with complementary roles in the recovery process. By working together, we can provide comprehensive and effective care that ensures our patients return to their pre-injury lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible. 

Here is a list of insurance plans that will usually provide coverage for Athletic Therapy in Alberta:

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• Alberta Blue Cross (through health spending account)

• Canadian Life Assurance

• The Economical Insurance Group

• Liberty Health

• Premier Life

• Great West Life

• All Sport

• Canadian Hockey Association

• Chambers of Commerce Insurance Plan

• Co-operators

• Empire

• Great West Life

• Greenshield Canada

• Manulife

• Pacific Blue Cross

• Sunlife

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Coverage is usually dependent on the "tier" of coverage that you have, pay close attention to the fineprint of your insurance plan as Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy coverage may be combined with one another. 

If you do not have coverage, please download this document and send it to either your employer/insurance provider to see if they are able to make changes. By sending this form it helps us Athletic Therapists become more recognized as a profession!

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No! Athletic therapy is for everyone! Athletic Therapists work with you to help you achieve your desired level of function, whether that means being able to play with your grandkids, do your hobbies, or simply get in and out of bed without pain. Anyone can benefit from Athletic Therapy, regardless of their fitness level or sport of choice. Our comprehensive approach to treatment ensures that we address the whole body and work with you to develop a personalized plan that helps you achieve your goals. Whether you are looking to improve your performance on the field or simply want to live a pain-free life, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We believe that everyone should have access to quality care, so if you have been recovering from an injury, or suffering from chronic pain, we can help! We are here to help you reach your goals, get you back to doing what you love and live your best life! 

What sets us apart is our personalized approach to care. We work with each client to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their individual needs and goals. Our appointments are focused on discovering and addressing the source of your injury, thereby reducing pain and improving function. Our approach combines a mixture of manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue release, fascial techniques, joint mobilization, massage, and functional exercises/stretches that are tailored to your specific injury. By treating the root cause of your pain, we aim to improve your overall function and movement Our goal is to help you understand your body and prevent future injuries. We also prioritize education, providing clients with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent future injuries and improve their athletic performance. We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable environment where each patient can feel heard and understood.

At Kali-Rae Performance Therapy, we understand that injuries can be debilitating. That's why we offer a wide range of services to help get you back on your feet. Our therapists are experienced in treating common injuries resulting from falls, muscle and/or joint pain, and concussions. We also specialize in overuse injuries, workplace and motor vehicle accidents, and emergencies at sporting events. Whether you're experiencing a chronic and recurring condition or need presurgery and post-surgery rehabilitation, we are ready to guide you through your rehabilitation journey and get you back to your active lifestyle.

Our initial assessments are designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of your injury. During your first visit,we will discuss your injury history and how the injury has been impacting your day to day life. We will then conduct a thorough assessment to determine the nature and extent of your injury or condition, which is composed of a functional/sport specific and joint testing. We also provide treatments to give you some initial relief before you leave. At the end of your appointment we will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and goals and discuss preliminary exercises to start your road to recovery.​