You Deserve To Be Free From Pain
Athletic therapy is a health care profession dedicated to the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of all types of musculoskeletal injury. Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, managing a chronic condition, or looking to get back to the activities you love, our athletic therapist in Toronto is here to help.
Athletic Therapists are certified health care professionals who treat bone, ligament, tendon, muscle or joint issues — including acute, chronic, age-related and long-term injuries. Athletic therapy differs from other rehabilitation approaches in that it focuses specifically on restoring function through movement, with a strong emphasis on getting you back to sport or daily activity. Athletic Therapists employ a range of treatment techniques including massage therapy and other soft-tissue therapies, joint mobilizations, therapeutic modalities and exercise rehabilitation. A key component of Athletic Therapy is patient education.
Claire O'Shea, our certified athletic therapist, works with clients across the Toronto Beaches area and surrounding neighbourhoods.
What Is The Role Of Athletic Therapists?
Athletic therapists help you understand the root cause of your injury or pain, how to treat it effectively, and how to prevent it from coming back.
They make sure to work with you as a partner in your rehabilitation, helping you to take control of your health care.
They use a holistic approach, focusing on you as a whole person, rather than just your injury. They look to assess and correct your movement patterns to help you return to your sport, training, or daily activity more efficiently and stronger than before.
Our approach to sports injury rehabilitation combines hands-on treatment with guided exercise progressions, so your recovery is active, not passive. For more information you can visit the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.
Components of Athletic Therapy may include some of the following
Who Can Benefit From Athletic Therapy in Toronto?
Athletic therapy isn't just for competitive athletes. Anyone dealing with a musculoskeletal injury, movement limitation, or recurring pain can benefit from working with a certified athletic therapist. Common conditions we treat include:
- Sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries
- Chronic joint pain and overuse injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Neck and back pain from posture or repetitive strain
- Concussion management and return-to-activity protocols
- Running injuries and biomechanical imbalances
If you've been searching for sports therapy in Toronto or a rehabilitation approach that goes beyond basic physiotherapy, athletic therapy may be the right fit for you.
Athletic Therapy vs. Physiotherapy: What's the Difference?
A common question we hear is how athletic therapy differs from physiotherapy. Both professions treat musculoskeletal injuries, but athletic therapists are specifically trained through a sport and activity-focused lens. The assessment process emphasizes functional movement, return-to-sport readiness, and injury prevention — making it a strong choice for active individuals, recreational athletes, and anyone who wants a rehabilitation plan built around real-world movement.
If you're unsure which approach is right for you, our team at Kew Gardens Health Group can help you find the right fit. We also offer chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, and concussion management for a well-rounded approach to your recovery.
What to Expect at Your First Athletic Therapy Appointment
Your first visit with our athletic therapist in Toronto begins with a thorough intake and movement assessment. Claire will ask about your injury history, activity level, and goals before conducting a functional evaluation to identify how your movement patterns may be contributing to your pain or limitation.
From there, you'll receive a personalized treatment plan that outlines the approach, expected timeline, and your role in the recovery process. Most clients receive hands-on treatment during their first session, which may include soft tissue work, joint mobilization, therapeutic modalities, or athletic taping depending on your needs.
Sessions typically run 45 to 60 minutes. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and, in most cases, a home exercise program to support your progress between visits. If your needs extend beyond athletic therapy, we may recommend complementary services such as osteopathy or a running gait analysis to support a complete recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Athletic therapists treat a wide range of conditions including sprains and strains, tendonitis, joint pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, concussions, and chronic overuse injuries. Treatment is individualized to your specific injury, activity level, and recovery goals.
No referral is required to book an appointment with our athletic therapist at Kew Gardens Health Group. You can book directly online or contact our clinic to discuss whether athletic therapy is the right option for your needs.
Many extended health benefits plans cover athletic therapy. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Our team can provide receipts for direct submission to your insurer. For more details on our rates, visit our rates and fees page.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the nature and severity of your injury, but many clients notice meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 sessions. Acute injuries like sprains and strains often respond quickly, while chronic or post-surgical conditions may require a longer course of treatment. Claire will give you a realistic timeline at your initial assessment so you know what to expect.
Kew Gardens Health Group & Centre of Balance
2175 Queen Street East, Suite 302Toronto, ON
M4E 1E5 View Staff & Treatments
