If you are an athlete of any kind, you are likely no stranger to sprains, pain, or injuries. Playing your hardest or pushing your body to its limits can sometimes result in injuries despite taking steps to prevent them. If you have been injured while playing a sport or training, you may not be sure who to turn to when seeking help with recovery. Both athletic therapists and physiotherapists can assist you in reducing pain, improving mobility, and getting back to what you love most. But what is the difference between athletic therapy and physiotherapy anyways?

At Athletic Advantage, we provide physiotherapy, sports physio, and other complimentary services to help patients move without pain and participate fully in life. We understand that knowing which type of service provider to seek for support with pain and injuries can sometimes feel confusing. In this post, we help you understand the main differences between a physiotherapist and an athletic therapist are.

Not sure where to start but need help with relieving pain or improving mobility? Book an assessment with the experts at Athletic Advantage. As the physiotherapy clinic Markham residents rely on, you can count on us to provide you with personalized and effective support.

What Is an Athletic Therapist?

Athletic therapists are healthcare professionals that specialize in treating injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. With a focus on muscles, bones, and joints, athletic therapists often work with athletes to help them recover from and prevent injuries, allowing them to get back in the game. Athletic therapists are not limited to working with athletes and can help patients with injury concerns that can impact a person’s ability to stay active and participate in recreational activities. Certified athletic therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and are trained to help patients with a wide range of injury recovery concerns.

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists may offer services that are similar to what an athletic therapist may provide though their role is overall quite different. Though some physiotherapists may specialize in manual physiotherapy or sports therapy, they also have medical training that can allow them to work with patients that have complex concerns that go beyond muscle, joint and bone injuries. A physiotherapist can assist with health conditions involving the brain or nervous system, lungs, heart, bones, joints, and soft tissues. Like athletic therapists, physiotherapists often work with athletes but also work with a wide range of patients with all types of health concerns.

How Can I Know Which Service Provider to Choose?                  

Physiotherapists and athletic therapists play an important role in healthcare, and both can help patients to feel their best and prevent further injuries. Knowing which service provider to turn to for help may depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your injury or other personal medical factors. For straightforward sports-related injuries, an athletic therapist may be a good option. If you have a more complex issue or are requiring concussion rehab support, seeking care from a physiotherapist may be a better choice.

If you are unsure about who to reach out to for support, consider looking for a physiotherapy clinic that offers a variety of medical services, such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. At Athletic Advantage, we offer a variety of services and aim to provide you with the care that addresses the root cause of your issues. For more information on what you can expect at your initial session, see our post, What to Expect at Your Initial Physiotherapy Assessment.