What is an Athletic Therapist?
The motto of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) is "Rapid Return to Work and Play."
Athletic therapists are dedicated to the health care of physically active individuals. A Certified Athletic Therapist's scope of practice includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. This may include postural evaluation, equipment selection, warm-up and conditioning programs, supportive taping, manual techniques, and physical modalities such as ultrasound and inferential current. Additionally, the scope of practice includes immediate on-field care of athletic injuries, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of neurological dysfunction, as well as techniques to ensure a safe return to participation.
The process to become a Certified Athletic Therapist begins with completion of an athletic therapy program from an accredited institution. Upon completion of the program, a candidate may attempt the certification exam, developed and administered by the certification board of the CATA. This exam is comprised of a comprehensive theory exam as well as an oral/practical exam. Certified members must present documentation on an annual basis demonstration continuing professional development.
Click on the logo to the right for more information from the official CATA web site.
Do I have to be an athlete to get an appointment?
Not at all! Dunbar Sports Rehabilitation is happy to work with anyone.
What does a typical appointment involve?
An initial appointment is scheduled for 1 hour. During the initial assessment the therapist will ask a detailed health history, as well as assess the injury site and the entire body to address any involvement of other joints. The length of the initial appointment allows time to begin treatment during the same appointment.
Follow-up appointments are typically booked for 30 minutes; although 1 hour treatments are available if there is more than one injury that you would like addressed during the session.
Techniques used during appointments include Active Release Techniques(R), osteopathic muscle energy techniques, physical modalities such as ultrasound and inferential current, and assisted stretches. The therapist will provide further instructions for what you can do at home to complement the treatment, such as beneficial exercises, and activities to avoid.
Is Athletic Therapy covered by my insurance plan?
The specific coverage of individual plans varies, although many private insurance plans cover the services of a certified athletic therapist. Even if it is not listed, your plan may still cover athletic therapy. We encourage you to check with your human resources department and/or your policy provider to determine if your plan covers the services of a certified athletic therapist. Dunbar Sports Rehabilitation routinely directs bills to Great West Life, Greenshield, and Blue Cross (RCMP and Veteran's affairs) on behalf of clients.
For sports clubs, please note that there are sport accident insurance policies available. These insurance policies provide additional coverage for athletes, coaches and volunteers who sustain an injury during official training and competitions. Check with your provincial sport organization to find out if your sport club has accident insurance.
Please call if you have any questions regarding your coverage. We are happy to assist you.
What do I do if my insurance plan does not cover Athletic Therapy?
If your plan does not cover athletic therapy, please forward one of the letters (on the right) to the appropriate parties. You should have the option to choose the therapy that works best for you? The insurance companies will respond if there is a demand.
Does Dunbar Sports Rehabilitation do Worker's Compensation Board (WCB) claims?
Unfortunately not.
What is the cost of an appointment?
Initial appointments / 1 hour treatments = $75 (including GST).
Follow-up treatments (30 minutes) = $55 (including GST).
