FAQ

What's the difference between athletic therapy and physiotherapy?

Athletic Therapy specializes in conditions related to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Athletic Therapists focus on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, resistance training, exercise physiology, sports psychology and sports nutrition. Athletic Therapists can be found working in clinics, emergency care in field settings, and in universities/schools. 

Physiotherapy has a broader scope tending to patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological issues. Physiotherapists also treat patients with burn injuries, amputations, pediatrics, geriatrics with their practice in hospitals and clinics. A Physiotherapist with further training can be found in the field (and sports injury clinic) with the designation, Sports Physiotherapist.

Is athletic therapy only for athletes?

No. Anyone wanting to be a physically active individual can be treated by an athletic therapist within their scope of practice.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to be seen by an athletic therapist?

No, however patients with private insurance may require a prescription from a medical doctor before submitting invoices for services received. 

Is direct billing to insurance companies available?

The following insurance companies are available for direct billing: Blue Cross National, Manitoba Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manitoba Public Insurance, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.

I've injured myself but don't know when I should be seen by an athletic therapist?

Injuries involving recent fractures or surgery are best addressed by medical doctors. 

What can I expect from an athletic therapy treatment session?

Athletic therapists use a variety of techniques to achieve a desired outcome from the injured area. Some patients may be more sensitive compared to others and may present with visible bruising, tenderness from the area being treated, or possibly light headedness. Please be sure to inform the treating athletic therapist of any concerns as they can provide an appropriate solution to an undesired effect.

What do I wear at an athletic therapy assessment and/or treatment session?

Loose fitted clothing to properly assessment and treat area of concern.

I do not have exercise/gym loose fitted clothing. Is it still okay to attend an athletic therapy session?

Not a problem. There are a variety of shorts and T-shirts ranging in sizes from XS - XXL for patients to borrow should anyone forget or not own such clothing articles.

Can I wear my own runners or slippers in attendance at the clinic?

Any indoor footwear that is clean that do not mark up walls are permitted in clinic as guests in the clinic are asked to remove their footwear upon entering.

Where can I park?

Free on street parking in front of building on Osborne street and side streets like Rathgar avenue.

Is there any parking limitations?

No parking between 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (south bound) in front of building on Osborne street. 

Is there a fee for late cancellation or missed appointments?

Yes. Patients unable to provide 24 hours notice are subject to a late cancel / no show fee of $50.00.

Can my late cancellation (less than 24 hrs notice) / missed appointment fee be billed to my insurance company?

No. Patients are responsible for all costs not associated with third party billings. Outstanding balances must be paid prior to receiving further treatment sessions.

Will I be okay in the clinic if I have sensitivity to bright lights and/or loud sounds?

Please inform your therapist to make accommodations. The treatment room is dimly lit to help relax patients as well as accommodate patients with light sensitivity. Music in the clinic space and treatment room can also be silenced for the duration of the patient's scheduled treatment session.

I do not have exercise/gym loose fitted clothing. Is it still okay to attend an athletic therapy session?

Not a problem. There are a variety of shorts and T-shirts ranging in sizes from XS - XXL for patients to borrow should anyone forget or not own such clothing articles.

Can I wear my own runners or slippers in attendance at the clinic?

Any indoor footwear that is clean that do not mark up walls are permitted in clinic as guests in the clinic are asked to remove their footwear upon entering.

How old are patients attending athletic therapy treatment sessions?

Depending on the type of injury, patient ages range from 2 - 90 years old. 

Am I expected to exercise at my athletic therapy treatment sessions?

No.  Each patient has different needs and are at different stages for their injury rehab. Based on the areas needing to be addressed following their assessment.

I can I attend athletic therapy treatment sessions with my child or family member? 

Absolutely. We want patients and their family members to feel welcomed and comfortable in our clinic. Ask questions and if something does not make sense, please ask for the answer to be explained another way to ensure the injury description and injury rehab is understood. 

What kind of treatment will my child receive, especially if they are very young?

Young children will receive very gentle massage techniques, manual stretching/range of motion to increase mobility, soft tissue release and myofascial release.

What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain?

Sprain refers to ligaments (tissue that holds bones together).

Strain refers to muscles.

What are tell-tale signs that an injury has become chronic?

Pain is noticed after activities - if addressed early on, can reduce likelihood of chronic pain.
Pain is noticed before and after activities
Pain is noticed before, during, and after activities

How long can I wear neuro-proprioceptive tape? 

Tape can stay on the skin between 3 - 5 days.

I don't feel like the tape is doing anything.

That's the beauty of this support, the neuro-proprioceptive tape is meant to be applied in a way that allows the wearer to continue with their daily activities with little to no discomfort depending on the purpose of the application.

Can  I get the neuro-proprioceptive tape wet?

Yes, individuals wearing KTape, Leukotape, and other brands can be worn on the skin, submerged in water without coming off. Remember when drying after a bath, shower and/or swim to pat the area dry. Rubbing  a towel near the ends of the tape may pull away the tape from the skin.

What happens if my skin feels itchy wearing the neuro-proprioceptive tape?

Please inform your therapist before taping application of skin sensitivities as there are sensitive skin taping supplies used to reduce skin irritation. Most tapes are labeled as "hypoallergenic," however patients may have reactions.

Should the skin become itchy after application and/or wearing, please inform the athletic therapist and remove tape from your skin. Allow the skin to breathe for 1 - 3 days depending on the severity of the irritation.

How do I remove neuro-proprioceptive tape?

Option 1.

Apply tape remover (Mueller Tape and Tuffner Remover or Cramer Tape Remover) covering the surface area of tape. Allow tape remover to sit for 30 seconds before peeling tape away from skin. Make sure to use in well vented area. Aerosol product superior with removal time and ease vs. non-aerosol product which tends to require repeat applications for tape removal. Re-apply as needed until tape and residue are removed.

**NOTE: apply firm pressure with hand on skin adjacent to area with tape. Continue to hold pressure while using other hand to peel tape in opposite direction.

Option 2.   

Soak tape in water (easiest to do in bath or shower). Then using technique listed in the above "note" to remove tape. 

Option 3.   

Cover surface area of tape with baby oil. Allow baby oil to sit for 5-10 minutes before removing tape with proper tape removal technique listed above in "note." Re-apply baby oil as needed until tape and residue are removed.

Does it hurt to try cupping massage? 

There are two types of plastic cups used for treatment. The medical grade plastic cup generally causes the patient to experience a sensation similar to a clothespin pinching your skin. The second type is a silicone cup that is light to touch when applied to the body and especially to the face.

Can I exercise after a cupping treatment?

It is best to rest your body after receiving any cupping application as each person responds differently. Should an individual choose to exercise following treatment involving cupping, more than normal fatigue may be present and may compromise that individual during intense physical activity.

Why do dark markings show up after cupping?

Cupping marks are not bruises but a release of dead static blood, lymph, cellular debris, pathogens and toxins pulled to the skin’s surface by cupping application. Once brought to the surface they can more easily be flushed away with other manual therapies. These marks can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks and not tender to the touch. As treatments continue, the marks will occur less and less from removal of toxins in the body.

How long do cupping marks last?

Cupping marks may take up to 24 - 48 hours before markings are visible on skin which may last on average from 1 - 8 days.

Do cupping marks hurt?

Some areas may be tender or sore post treatment depending on the cupping application achieving desired effects such as deep tissue massage.

Will there be markings after cupping application on my face?

• Facial techniques use gentle pressure limiting redness to the patient's face. 
• Should redness present on the patient's face, apply cold face cloth to face for 2-5 minutes. 
• Take a face cloth, soak with cold water or place in freezer to chill then apply to face. 
• Do not exceed 5 minute recommendation, however cold compress can be applied once per hour during first 24 hours.

What to expect after cupping massage?

Cupping may produce strong effects on the sensory nerves causing the following but not limited to: fatigue (worn down) and emotional changes. Adequate hydration is necessary along with pacing activity due to possible strong sedation effect.

What to do after treatment:

• Rest / pace physical activity levels.
• Hydrate: water, Powerade, Gatorade, coconut water and/or milk.
• Reduce time frame of marks:
  • Traumacare or other homeopathic anti-inflammatory creams.
  • Neuro-proprioceptive tape

Does it hurt to try Gua Sha? 

Gua Sha applications may be tender depending on location and pressure applied to areas of discomfort and pain.

Will there be markings after Gua Sha application to my face?

Facial techniques use gentle pressure limiting redness to the patient's face. 

• Should redness present on the patient's face, apply cold face cloth to face for 2-5 minutes. 
• Take a face cloth, soak with cold water or place in freezer to chill then apply to face. 
• Do not exceed 5 minute recommendation, however cold compress can be applied once per hour during first 24 hours. 

Are Gua Sha marks similar to cupping marks?

No. Gua Sha marks present with small red, brown, and/or purple spots known as petechiae caused by breaking capillary blood vessels bleeding into the skin. 

How long do Gua Sha markings last?

Approximately 1 - 2 days with possible redness and tenderness.

What to do after treatment:

• Rest / pace physical activity level.
• Hydrate: water, Powerade, Gatorade, coconut water and/or milk.
• Reduce time frame of marks:
  • Traumacare or other homeopathic anti-inflammatory creams.
  • Neuro-proprioceptive tape