Tools & Techniques Used in Athletic Therapy
Supportive approaches selected as part of individualized, therapist-led care.
Athletic Therapy at Revolution Rehab is not protocol-driven. Care is guided by assessment, movement analysis, and how your body responds over time.
As part of Athletic Therapy, a range of hands-on and supportive tools may be used when appropriate to support comfort, movement, and recovery. These tools are always selected based on individual needs and are used alongside active, movement-focused rehabilitation rather than as stand-alone treatments.
How Tools Fit Into Athletic Therapy
No two people move, load, or recover the same way. Rather than applying a preset list of techniques, your Athletic Therapist chooses tools thoughtfully based on:
what you’re dealing with right now
how your body is moving and responding
your daily demands at work, home, or activity
your comfort, tolerance, and goals
Some tools may be used briefly to support pain relief or movement, while others may be integrated over time as part of a broader rehabilitation plan. The focus remains on meaningful progress that translates into real life.
Supportive Tools & Techniques We May Use
Manual & Soft Tissue Approaches
Massage & Soft Tissue Techniques
Hands-on techniques may be used to support tissue health, reduce tension, and improve comfort and movement as part of a session.
Assisted Stretching
Hand-on stretching techniques may be used to support mobility, reduce stiffness, and improve movement quality when beneficial.
Joint Mobilization
Hands-on techniques used to support joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and restore comfortable movement when appropriate.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a soft tissue technique that may be used to address muscle tension, movement restriction, and local discomfort. It is used selectively as part of Athletic Therapy to support tissue mobility and comfort alongside active rehabilitation.
Myofascial Cupping
Myofascial cupping may be used to support tissue mobility, circulation, and movement awareness. When appropriate, it is integrated into care to complement hands-on work and movement-based rehabilitation.
Craniosacral Therapy
Gentle manual approaches may be used to support comfort, relaxation, and nervous system regulation when appropriate as part of care.
Needle-Based Techniques
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used to support pain management, muscle tension, and recovery as part of an Athletic Therapy session when appropriate.
Dry Needling
Dry needling may be used to address muscle tension, trigger points, and movement restrictions, integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan.
Electrical & Modalities
Electrical Stimulation (TENS, IFC, NMES)
Supportive electrical stimulation tools may be used selectively to help manage pain, improve comfort, or support muscle activation as part of care.
Heat Therapy (Hydrocollator Packs)
Moist heat may be used to support relaxation, circulation, and comfort prior to or alongside movement-based care.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound may be used selectively to support tissue comfort and recovery when clinically appropriate as part of an Athletic Therapy session.
Shockwave Therapy (Coming February 2026)
Shockwave may be used to support tissue healing and pain reduction for certain conditions, integrated alongside active rehabilitation strategies.
Movement-Based Rehabilitation
Exercise Prescription
Targeted movement and exercise strategies are used to support strength, coordination, and long-term recovery. Exercises are selected to be practical and realistic to maintain outside the clinic.
Functional Movement Training
Movement-based training focused on improving how the body moves during real-life tasks such as lifting, reaching, walking, or work-related demands.
Supported Movement with Load Management (Taping)
Supportive taping techniques may be used to assist with movement awareness, comfort, and load management during daily activities or sport. Taping is used selectively to support movement while strength, control, and confidence are rebuilt.
Important to Know
Tools and techniques are not booked separately
Not every tool is used for every person
The same approach is not applied to everyone
Care decisions are guided by response and progress, not a checklist
Athletic Therapy remains focused on understanding why something is happening and how to support lasting improvement, rather than relying on any single technique.
Not Sure What’s Right for You?
You don’t need to know which tools you need before booking. Your Athletic Therapist will help guide care decisions based on assessment, movement, and your goals.