Getting Ready for World Masters Games with Athletic Therapy

This week, Quebec City hosts the Winter World Masters Games. For the past 20 years, the Summer World Masters Games have been a huge success, and as a result, the birth of the Winter Games in Bled, Slovenia in 2010 is being followed up by this year’s event – and being held in Canada no less!! Athletes from across the world will join together to compete in a number of events and test themselves and each other for top position.

For many athletes, events such as these are the pinnacle of an athletic career, and for good reason, but when pain from a prior injury or from overuse is present, the prospect of competing can hamper any excitement. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for any sporting event, and to rid yourself of the pain that may negatively impact your performance, is with athletic therapy.

First of all, what is athletic therapy? Athletic therapy is the treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the prevention, of musculoskeletal injuries. This is done by a certified athletic therapist, trained in the effective assessment and treatment of pain caused by an injury. An assessment of physical function first evaluates an injury, and a diagnosis and treatment method determined. An athletic therapist’s goal is to help a patient recover as quickly as possible, safely returning to the game at peak level.

What method might be used to treat an injury or pain? Depending on your unique injury or pain, an athletic therapist might use a number of different treatment methods to aid in your recovery and rehabilitation. These might include various rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, physical reconditioning and supportive taping and strapping procedures to help promote optimal healing and get you back on the field safely.

Athletic therapy might also be used in combination with other forms of physical treatment, including massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment or osteopathy. Again, the method for treatment differs according to your unique situation, and is determined by your therapist.

Whether you plan on participating in the Winter World Masters Games or not, if you have suffered an injury that is keeping you from performing at your best, athletic therapy might just be the answer – especially if faster relief that is focused primarily on your effective and efficient recovery is your goal.

For more about the benefits and treatment methods of athletic therapy, please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416 800 0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.