Spectrum Physiotherapy offers athletic therapy in Newmarket with two Certified Athletic Therapists: Drew Laskoski, AT-R, R.Kin, and Ruth Yeung, CAT(C), R.Ac. Athletic therapy focuses on assessing and treating muscle, bone and joint injuries and on reconditioning you so you can get back to sport, work and everyday activity. It is a great fit for athletes of every level, from minor hockey players to weekend warriors, and for anyone recovering from an active injury.
What Is Athletic Therapy?
Certified Athletic Therapists are trained in the prevention, assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, as well as emergency and on-field care. In Canada, athletic therapists are certified by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA), which uses the designation CAT(C). Their training is rooted in sport, so treatment is active, hands-on and focused on getting you back to the specific demands of your sport or activity.
Athletic therapy at Spectrum may include:
- Injury assessment and a clear explanation of what is going on
- Hands-on treatment such as soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization
- Taping and bracing advice
- Progressive strengthening, mobility and conditioning programs
- Sport-specific return-to-play training
- Concussion education and graduated return-to-activity guidance
Athletic Therapy vs Physiotherapy: What Is the Difference?
Athletic therapists and physiotherapists both treat musculoskeletal injuries with assessment, hands-on care and exercise, and there is a lot of overlap. The main differences are in training and scope:
- Focus: athletic therapy concentrates on muscle, bone and joint injuries, especially those from sport and activity, and on reconditioning for return to play. Physiotherapy covers musculoskeletal injuries too, and also a wider range of areas such as post-surgical rehabilitation, neurological conditions like stroke, vertigo and dizziness, and chronic conditions.
- Training: athletic therapists complete a university athletic therapy program with field and clinical placements, often with sports teams, followed by national certification. Physiotherapists in Ontario complete a master’s degree in physiotherapy and are regulated by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
- On-field care: athletic therapists are trained in emergency and sideline care, which is why you will often see them at hockey rinks and sports fields.
- Insurance: physiotherapy is included in most extended health plans. Many plans also cover athletic therapy, but not all, so check your plan before booking.
At Spectrum, athletic therapists and physiotherapists work as one team. If you are not sure which is right for you, ask us and we will help you choose, and your care can be shared between them when that helps.
Meet Our Athletic Therapists
Drew Laskoski, AT-R, R.Kin has worked as a hockey trainer and athletic therapist since 1985 and has been a Registered Kinesiologist since 2010. Concussion care has been a major focus of his career: he chairs the Ontario Athletic Therapists Concussion Working Group, has worked with Dr. Charles Tator and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation on concussion initiatives, and was part of the Rowan’s Law working group. He was OHA Trainer of the Year in 2015.
Ruth Yeung, CAT(C), R.Ac is a graduate of York University’s Athletic Therapy program and the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has served as Head Athletic Therapist at Redeemer University and works with AAA minor hockey and a Junior C hockey team. As a Registered Acupuncturist, she can also offer acupuncture.
Read their full bios on our team page, and learn more about hockey injury care and sports rehabilitation at Spectrum.
Book an Athletic Therapy Appointment
You don’t need a referral to book. Contact Spectrum Physiotherapy or call 905-853-2511. Our clinic is in the Dixon Medical Centre at 531 Davis Drive, Suite 101, Newmarket.
