There are many similarities between Physiotherapists and Athletic Therapists when it comes to orthopaedic (musculoskeletal and biomechanical) assessments in the clinical setting. It is largely in the treatment styles and varying work environments in which they differ. Certified Athletic Therapists “specialize” in musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation of all physical injuries as well as sport-specific exercise rehabilitation. Athletic therapy is based on the sports medicine model of rehabilitation which aims to not only get you back from injury as quickly and as safely as possible, but also to make you stronger than you were prior to injury. Often bridging the gap between a traditional physiotherapist and a personal trainer. That said, many physiotherapists can go on to also specialize in sport therapy. In addition physiotherapists can also provide dry-needling techniques as well as manipulative therapy techniques which are both outside of the athletic therapy scope. Both Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy also have differing educational requirements as well as differing governing bodies. Both of which are required to abide by a strict code of ethics as well as to commit to a minimum annual continuing education credit requirement.

Everyone can benefit!! And you most definitely do not need to be an athlete! The overall motto of an athletic therapist (AT) is “we are all athletes”, in that we all strive to move better, become stronger and more resilient, and excel in the movement required of us. Think “Functional Therapy”. Other than the athletic population, athletic therapy can also be beneficial to those suffering from all forms of aches, pains or biomechanical disadvantages. An athletic therapists aim is to get you back to whatever it is you enjoy doing while mitigating future injuries. AT’s typically treat: Work-related injuries Sports-related injuries Chronic or acute back and neck pain Motor vehicle accident-related injuries (ICBC) Repetitive strain injuries Pre- and post-surgery conditions/needs If you have an ache or a pain, an Athletic Therapist will thoroughly assess your condition and provide the best care for your specific injury, before prescribing an individualized exercise program appropriate for each individuals needs. Athletic Therapists are determined to return patients to work or play in better condition than they were prior to their injury. Whether you have an injury or want to prevent an injury from occurring, an Athletic Therapist can help. If you are already suffering with pain, treatment will take precedence within an appointment in order to control for pain/inflammation. For the individual who is interested in prevention: activity-specific training, postural correction, or improving mechanics may be the best approach and therefore take precedence within an appointment.

Certified Athletic Therapists pride themselves on a thorough and functional total body assessment. This assessment allows the therapist to best decide where the pain/limitations are coming from, while explaining the cause and effect of these imbalances/asymmetries. The therapist will then create, implement and facilitate individualized treatment plans for optimal recovery, rehabilitation and for everyday maintenance. Your therapist will accomplish this by utilizing modern (often hands on) rehabilitation techniques as seen fit. These techniques may include, but are not limited to; soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, muscle reconditioning, and exercise prescription/rehabilitation. A key philosophy and component of Athletic Therapy is patient education. Proper awareness and understanding of the injury, treatments, rehabilitation process, and preventative measures of how to avoid reoccurrence of injury is crucial for a quick and successful return to your desired activities of daily life.

1) Yes, Athletic Therapy does treat both ICBC and WCB patients injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident. However, it is the responsibility of the patient to ensure they will be reimbursed by their respective providers as we do not direct bill. Often, approval by your adjuster or insurer is required before-hand and a doctor’s recommendation would also be beneficial. 2) Athletic Therapy can often be an ideal therapeutic style for both motor vehicle and work-related injuries as they aim to get you back as soon as prudently possible, while ensuring your exercise rehabilitation plan is specific to you and your needs. Seeking an Athletic Therapists help can often eliminate the need to go to two separate therapy types (in treatment and exercise programming).

All professional members of the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA) have passed university and college program courses specified by the CATA. After having completed 1200 hours comprised of both clinical and field work, a stringent written and practical set of national exams will also have been successfully completed. Certified Athletic Therapists participate in an annual mandatory maintenance of certification program. This ensures that all Athletic Therapists demonstrate that they continually remain current with the developments in their professional field. The National and Provincial chapters work together to oversee the certification process, the continuing education, and the professional development of its members. CATA is a leader in an active approach to health care in Canada and over the years, has gained credibility and professional status while becoming increasingly recognized throughout the health care community.

There is an additional charge for extra time (15-minute increments) added onto your appointment (this will always be discussed prior to or during your appointment). There are also additional fees for supplies that Matt may provide during your appointment (such as taping).

The following insurance companies accept billing for Athletic Therapy. Each individual policy will vary, so you may need to look into your individual insurance plan. Although an insurance provider may offer Athletic Therapy as an option, the plan will be dependent on what services the employer has selected for their employees benefit package. • Allsport Insurance Marketing • BC Hockey Association • Canada Life Assurance Company • Citadel Assurance • Clarica • The Co-Operators • Desjardins Financial Security • The Economical Insurance Group • Equitable Life of Canada • Great West Life Assurance Company • Greenshield • Industrial - Alliance Pacific • Liberty Health • Manulife Financial • Premier Life Insurance Company • Reliable Life Insurance Company • Standard Life • Sun Life Financial • Wawanesa Life You may find an updated list of insurance providers at the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association: https://athletictherapy.org/en/public-resources/insurance-information/

Payment can be made via the following options: -e-transfer (sent to admin@tribunetherapy.ca) -cash -cheque If paying via e-transfer: An invoice will be emailed to you 24-48hrs after your appointment, and payment can be made after this! If paying via cash or cheque: Payment can be made at your appointment - Matt will let you know your total and 24-48hrs after your appointment you will be sent an official receipt of payment! Please note: We do not currently direct bill to your insurance company. Therefore, payment must be made at time of service. Official receipts will be provided for the patient to arrange reimbursement.

There is no cancellation fee for any cancellations up to 24 hours prior to your appointment. For any cancellations within 24 hours of an appointment, we do charge 50% of the appointment fee (as it is quite difficult from our end to find a last minute replacement that fits within the day's geographic schedule). We hope you can understand this!

At this time, only Athletic and Exercise therapy are offered. Within a given session, any number of manual therapeutic techniques may be utilized in order to help facilitate the necessary tissue/joint-based changes required, as determined by the therapist. These techniques may include, but are not limited to; Massage therapy techniques Muscle energy techniques Joint mobilizations Functional range conditioning Functional range release techniques Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Taping may also be deemed necessary at the end of the session as another supportive/preventative type of therapy.

Please send all booking requests to admin@tribunetherapy.ca ! At this time, we primarily communicate with our patients only via email correspondence.

Appointments are made via email in order to control for daily/weekly geographical scheduling changes, as well as to account for driving time between patients. Upon arrival, Matt will require a space large enough to easily walk around a treatment table, which he will bring. Matt will also bring all necessary equipment for patient comfort as well as the necessary supplies for assessment and treatment. At the end of the session, general guidelines and timelines will be provided regarding follow-ups. An invoice will be provided within 24-48hrs and you will have the option to pay via cash or cheque at the end of the session, otherwise via e-transfer (upon receiving the invoice).

There is a clinic space available to be used for those who are from out-of-town. Please send us an email (admin@tribunetherapy.ca) and let us know you are from out-of-town, and we will get back to you shortly with the next available appointment options in the clinic!

There is a clinic space available to be used if you are unable to be seen at home. Please send us an email (admin@tribunetherapy.ca) and let us know you are unable to be seen at your home, and we will get back to you shortly with alternative options.

No you do not need a doctor's referral - however, some insurance companies may require a doctor's referral in order to reimburse you for any costs incurred.

The initial assessment comprises of a detailed health history followed by gait and postural assessment as appropriate. Next, a thorough musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, biomechanical, and functional assessment will take place, specific to the patient’s needs as determined by the therapist. Treatment specific to the findings will follow this, in hopes of decreasing discomfort, increasing mobility, and increasing overall strength and functional needs at, above and below the problematic area(s). Lastly, the beginnings of an exercise program will be prescribed and demonstrated as required. Throughout the appointment, education will be emphasized to ensure the patient understands their pain and injury as well as the plan going forward.

Loose comfortable clothing is recommended for the visits. A shirt that allows contact with the shoulders for shoulder-related injuries and shorts for hip/knee assessment & treatments is recommended. You may also be asked to perform certain exercises or stretches that would be limited by tight clothing.

This is completely dependent on the patient! Some patients may need only one or two sessions while others require more frequent care. Our mission is to help determine exactly what works for you—whether that’s a different therapy or even a referral to another practitioner outside the practice. This will be discussed at length and as needed during your visit.