Athletic Therapy
Athletic therapy prevents, assesses, treats, and rehabilitates musculoskeletal injuries. Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C)) assist all ages with manual therapy, exercises, and rehab plans, focusing on injury prevention, safe activity return, and integrating sports medicine and exercise science.

Athletic Therapy
Athletic therapy is a specialized healthcare discipline focused on the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C)) work with individuals of all ages, from competitive athletes to everyday people, using a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and various treatment techniques. They educate clients on injury prevention and create personalized rehabilitation programs to ensure a safe return to activity. Athletic therapy integrates elements of sports medicine and exercise science, promoting overall health, performance, and recovery.
What Makes Athletic Therapy Different?
Athletic Therapists are musculoskeletal experts specializing in the orthopedic assessment and rehabilitation of physical injuries. They provide a unique service that combines extensive hands-on and manual approaches with active, individualized therapeutic strategies to facilitate a return to physical activity.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies in Alberta recognize the benefits of including athletic therapy services. Notable insurers include:
Alberta Blue Cross (via Health Spending Account)
Allsport
Canadian Life Assurance
CHA Health
Citadel Assurance
Clarica
Co-operators
Desjardins
The Economical Insurance Group
Equitable Life of Canada
Great West Life
Green Shield Canada
Industrial-Alliance Pacific
Liberty Health
Manulife Financial
Premiere Life
Standard Life
Sunlife
Wawanessa
Athletic therapy coverage may also be available through organizations such as the Canadian Hockey Association and national and provincial members of Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Rugby, Baseball, and Soccer Canada. Some companies, including Kodak, Air Canada, Pratt & Whitney, Canada Post, Purina, and IBM, also provide coverage.
Note: Although the above insurance companies accept billing for athletic therapy, please contact your insurer prior to receiving services, as each policy will vary according to individual employee benefits packages. Athletic therapy services are typically not available for direct billing, so clients may need to pay for services upfront and submit their receipts for reimbursement. The Alberta Athletic Therapist Association has created templates to assist in requesting the addition of athletic therapy to your extended medical plan.