Why Choose Athletic Therapy at Healthview
Athletic Therapy focuses on muscle, joint, and movement-related conditions, with a strong emphasis on in-clinic rehabilitation and hands-on care. Athletic Therapists are university-educated healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing how the body moves and designing personalized rehab programs to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.
At Healthview, Athletic Therapy is ideal for patients dealing with:
Our Athletic Therapists use a combination of detailed movement assessment, manual therapy, and progressive exercise rehabilitation to help patients recover safely and efficiently. The goal is not just pain relief, but long-term function and injury prevention.
Athletic Therapy is appropriate for all activity levels, not just athletes. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing an injury, or looking to move better and feel stronger, Athletic Therapy offers focused, movement-based care to support your recovery.
At Healthview, Athletic Therapy is ideal for patients dealing with:
- Muscle or joint injuries
- Back, shoulder, hip, or knee pain
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
- Return to work, sport, or active living
Our Athletic Therapists use a combination of detailed movement assessment, manual therapy, and progressive exercise rehabilitation to help patients recover safely and efficiently. The goal is not just pain relief, but long-term function and injury prevention.
Athletic Therapy is appropriate for all activity levels, not just athletes. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing an injury, or looking to move better and feel stronger, Athletic Therapy offers focused, movement-based care to support your recovery.
What It Takes to Become an Athletic Therapist in Canada
Education, Qualifications & Certification:
Athletic Therapists in Canada complete a focused university education in musculoskeletal assessment, injury rehabilitation, and movement-based care.
University Education (Manitoba)In Manitoba, students can complete a 4-year university degree in Athletic Therapy through:
These programs are accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and include:
Most programs require students to maintain First Aid and CPR/BLS certification throughout their studies.
Certification: CAT(C) after graduating from a CATA-accredited program, graduates must:
Once certified, practitioners earn the designation:
CAT(C) – Certified Athletic Therapist (Canada)
This credential confirms national competency in:
Athletic Therapists in Canada complete a focused university education in musculoskeletal assessment, injury rehabilitation, and movement-based care.
University Education (Manitoba)In Manitoba, students can complete a 4-year university degree in Athletic Therapy through:
- University of Manitoba
- University of Winnipeg
These programs are accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics and movement analysis
- Injury assessment and diagnosis (muscles, joints, and soft tissue)
- Therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation
- Manual therapy techniques
- Emergency care and injury management
- Extensive hands-on clinical and field placements
Most programs require students to maintain First Aid and CPR/BLS certification throughout their studies.
Certification: CAT(C) after graduating from a CATA-accredited program, graduates must:
- Successfully complete a national certification exam
- Meet professional and ethical standards
- Maintain ongoing continuing education
Once certified, practitioners earn the designation:
CAT(C) – Certified Athletic Therapist (Canada)
This credential confirms national competency in:
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Injury rehabilitation
- Exercise prescription
- Manual therapy
- Return-to-activity planning
Athletic Therapy & Pysiotherapy - FAQs
What is Athletic Therapy?
Athletic Therapy focuses on muscle, joint, and movement-related injuries. Athletic Therapists are trained to assess how the body moves and to provide hands-on treatment and guided exercise rehab to help people return to daily activities, work, or sport.
Is Athletic Therapy only for athletes?
No. Despite the name, Athletic Therapy is for anyone with musculoskeletal pain or injury, including back pain, shoulder or knee issues, post-surgical rehab, and overuse injuries.
What does an Athletic Therapy appointment usually involve?
Appointments typically include a detailed movement assessment, hands-on therapy, corrective and strengthening exercises, and education to help prevent re-injury.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession that helps people recover from injury, pain, or physical limitations. Physiotherapists treat muscle and joint conditions and also work with a broader range of rehabilitation needs depending on the setting.
How are Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy different?
Both help with pain and recovery. Athletic Therapy is primarily focused on musculoskeletal rehab and return-to-movement, while Physiotherapy offers care across a broader range of health conditions.
Which one is right for me?
If your concern involves muscle or joint pain, movement limitations, or post-injury rehab, Athletic Therapy may be a great fit. If your needs are more complex or extend beyond the musculoskeletal system, Physiotherapy may be recommended.
Can they work together?
Yes. Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists often work collaboratively to support safe, effective recovery.
Athletic Therapy focuses on muscle, joint, and movement-related injuries. Athletic Therapists are trained to assess how the body moves and to provide hands-on treatment and guided exercise rehab to help people return to daily activities, work, or sport.
Is Athletic Therapy only for athletes?
No. Despite the name, Athletic Therapy is for anyone with musculoskeletal pain or injury, including back pain, shoulder or knee issues, post-surgical rehab, and overuse injuries.
What does an Athletic Therapy appointment usually involve?
Appointments typically include a detailed movement assessment, hands-on therapy, corrective and strengthening exercises, and education to help prevent re-injury.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession that helps people recover from injury, pain, or physical limitations. Physiotherapists treat muscle and joint conditions and also work with a broader range of rehabilitation needs depending on the setting.
How are Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy different?
Both help with pain and recovery. Athletic Therapy is primarily focused on musculoskeletal rehab and return-to-movement, while Physiotherapy offers care across a broader range of health conditions.
Which one is right for me?
If your concern involves muscle or joint pain, movement limitations, or post-injury rehab, Athletic Therapy may be a great fit. If your needs are more complex or extend beyond the musculoskeletal system, Physiotherapy may be recommended.
Can they work together?
Yes. Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists often work collaboratively to support safe, effective recovery.