Certified Athletic Therapists have successfully
completed a comprehensive theory exam and a subsequent oral/practical exam
developed and administered by the certification board of the Canadian Athletic
Therapists Association.
The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic
Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and
reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal
and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up,
conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the
activity environment and facilities.
The provision of on-field immediate care of
athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment,
basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic
neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into
appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of
techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.
A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries
and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic
modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive
strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in
preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all
performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team,
is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare
of the individual.
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