Sports Physiotherapy vs Athletic Therapy: Choosing the Right Care for Active Bodies

When you’re dealing with a sports injury or looking to stay active without recurring pain, it’s common to hear about sports physiotherapy. Sports Physiotherapists are well known for working with athletes and active individuals, and in Winnipeg, they’re often sought out for rehab and return-to-sport care.

At Revolution Rehab, however, we take a slightly different, and highly effective, approach. We are an Athletic Therapy–led clinic, and for many active people, Athletic Therapy is the most direct, practical, and movement-focused path to recovery.

What Is Sports Physiotherapy?

A Sports Physiotherapist is a licensed Physiotherapist (PT) who focuses on injuries related to sport and physical activity. Their training allows them to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and guide athletes through rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning.

Sports physiotherapy care often includes:

• Assessment of injury history, symptoms, and movement

• Manual therapy to address joint and soft tissue restrictions

• Exercise-based rehab to rebuild strength, mobility, and control

• Education around injury prevention, warm-ups, and training load

• Structured return-to-sport progressions

• Use of clinical modalities when appropriate

Sports physiotherapy can be a good option for athletes seeking physiotherapy-based care or when insurance coverage requires physiotherapy specifically.

Athletic Therapy: Built for Sport and Real Life

Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C)) are healthcare professionals with specialized university training focused almost entirely on muscle, joint, and movement-based injuries.

While Athletic Therapists are commonly seen working with competitive athletes, their expertise extends far beyond the field or rink. Their training is grounded in real-world movement, making Athletic Therapy highly effective for:

• Sports injuries and overuse issues

• Active adults managing pain while training, working, or parenting

• Return-to-sport and return-to-activity planning

• Injury prevention and movement efficiency

What makes Athletic Therapy different:

• Movement-first assessment
  We assess how you actually move: running, lifting, reaching, cutting, or working.

• One-on-one therapist-led care
  You work directly with your Athletic Therapist for the entire session.

• Hands-on treatment paired with functional rehab
  Manual therapy, corrective exercise, taping/bracing, and education are integrated — not siloed.

• Practical plans that fit your life
  Rehab doesn’t have to mean hours in a gym or complicated routines.

Athletic Therapists are also trained in acute injury assessment, on-field care, and progressive return-to-activity, making them uniquely equipped to manage both sudden injuries and long-standing issues.

Why Revolution Rehab Is Athletic Therapy–Led

Over time, we’ve found that Athletic Therapy delivers clearer plans, more personalized care, and better real-life carryover for the majority of active individuals we see.

Many clients come to us frustrated by:

• Short appointments

• Generic exercise programs

• Feeling rushed or passed between providers

Our Athletic Therapy–led model prioritizes:

• Time with your therapist

• Clear explanations

• Rehab that supports how you actually live and move

Physiotherapy still plays an important role in the healthcare system, and we maintain a strong referral network when physiotherapy or another discipline is a better fit.

Which Is Right for You?

You may benefit most from Athletic Therapy if you:

• Are active or athletic and want movement-focused rehab

• Want hands-on care combined with functional exercise

• Value individualized treatment and clear guidance

• Want a practical return-to-sport or return-to-activity plan

Sports physiotherapy may be appropriate in specific situations, particularly when coverage or medical complexity requires it.

If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help guide you.

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

If pain or injury is limiting your sport or activity, Athletic Therapy at Revolution Rehab offers focused, expert care designed to get you moving confidently again.

Book your Athletic Therapy session today and make movement easy again!

Author: Nikki Smith CAT(C)