In a multidisciplinary clinic setting it can sometimes be hard to know what practitioner to see and when. One of the biggest questions we get is the difference between Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy - as these professions are often used interchangeably. The confusion between athletic therapy and physiotherapy often arises because both professions involve helping people recover from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and strive to improve physical function. However, they have different focuses, training, and methods that separate them from each other. Understanding these differences can help people make more informed choices in regards to their injuries and what their bodies need.
Choosing between an athletic therapist and a physiotherapist depends on your specific needs and goals, as each professional brings a different focus and expertise. Here's a breakdown of how they differ and when you might choose one over the other:
1. Scope of Practice:
Athletic Therapy is more specialized in the treatment of MSK injuries and injuries related to sports, exercise, and physic
al activity. Athletic therapists work with both athletes and active individuals of all ages to prevent, assess, and treat musculoskeletal injuries (especially those involving muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments). This approach has a focus on manual therapy and exercise prescription. They also play a key role in injury prevention and rehabilitation, making it a more proactive approach.
Physiotherapy (or physical therapy) is broader and deals with a wide range of conditions, not limited to MSK injuries. Physiotherapists treat patients with musculoskeletal issues but also help with neurological, cardiopulmonary, and respiratory conditions. Their approach is comprehensive and can include manual therapy, exercises, modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and patient education for improving movement and managing pain.
2. Education and Training:
Athletic therapists typically have a bachelor's degree in athletic therapy or a related field, and their education is heavily focused on sports injuries, biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. They are often certified by a professional body (like the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association or the National Athletic Trainers' Association in the U.S.).
Physiotherapists typically hold a master's or doctorate degree in physiotherapy (DPT in the U.S. or MScPT in Canada), and their training covers a broader spectrum of health conditions. Physiotherapists often have additional expertise in areas such as chronic pain management, neurological rehabilitation, and pediatric or geriatric care.
3. Approach to Treatment:
Athletic Therapy emphasizes the prevention of injuries before they happen, immediate injury management (like first aid, taping, and bracing) in an on-field setting, and lifestyle and sport specific rehabilitation to get people back to their activity as quickly and safely as possible. Additionally, athletic therapy focuses on biomechanical assessment and treating the body as an interconnected unit.
Physiotherapy focuses on improving overall physical function and may include treatment for a wide variety of conditions, from back pain to post-surgery rehabilitation or recovery from stroke. Physiotherapists might also address broader issues like posture correction, chronic pain management, and overall mobility.
4. Work Environments:
Athletic Therapists are traditionally found in an on-field setting on the sidelines with professional or recreational sports teams. However, athletic therapists are also found in a clinical setting in fitness centers, multidisciplinary clinics, schools, and community programs.
Physiotherapists can be found in settings including hospitals, multidisciplinary clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Summary:
If you're recovering from a musculoskeletal injury or looking to prevent one, and you want a therapist who specializes in active recovery, manual treatment, and biomechanical assessment an athletic therapist might be a great fit.
If you have a broader range of medical conditions, or you're seeking rehabilitation for chronic pain, neurological, or respiratory conditions, a physiotherapist could be the better option.
In all cases, both professionals can work together to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for your recovery and wellness.
Ready to experience the benefits of our holistic services? Explore our full range of offerings and take the next step towards better health today! Visit 4pointshealth.com or give us a call at 780-705-5775 to book your appointment!
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