Certified ATs across the country have been reaching out to their patients to gather testimonials that speak to the important role Athletic Therapy plays in their lives. A collection of honest and unfiltered experiences, participants shared their individual healing journeys, ones that reinforce the idea that Athletic Therapy is not just for athletes, but for anybody with a body.
We’ve heard a range of injury stories from chronic tennis elbow to herniated disks. While each experience was different, each patient referenced Athletic Therapy’s ability to go beyond the superficial level of injuries and find the root cause of pain. This comprehensive approach is notably what sets Athletic Therapy apart, and why for so many individuals, it has been a life-altering decision to access Athletic Therapy care.
After undergoing shoulder surgery and having experienced tennis elbow for a significant amount of time, one person described their limited range of shoulder motion and severe elbow pain. “My tennis elbow was so bad, I couldn't even lift a coffee cup — It impacted every aspect of my daily life,” they shared. Providing a great example of how physical injuries don't just prevent people from performing active tasks but also disrupt the simplest routines.
Even though the shoulder surgery and tennis elbow injury were two distinct situations, this patient found nearly immediate relief after just one appointment with their Certified Athletic Therapist. Athletic Therapy has been consistently proven to be not only effective for complex injuries, but also quick in providing relief. For individuals whose injuries affect every facet of their daily life – down to something as miniscule as lifting a cup – finding that relief can be extremely transformative.
For another patient, deciding to go see an athletic therapist was an act of near desperation. After coping with sciatic pain for over four years and being diagnosed with two herniated discs, living with discomfort had become a grim norm. “At its worst, I couldn’t sleep and would wake up and pace. I couldn’t sit, stand, or do anything I enjoyed, like going for walks,” they expressed.
In an effort to try and manage the pain, they relied on painkillers, but found they were still unable to perform their job effectively, which only fueled feelings of anxiety and helplessness. For someone experiencing the mental effects of a physical ailment, movement often seems counterintuitive. But with an upcoming work convention that required them to stand for the majority of the day, deciding to try Athletic Therapy was as much of a last resort as it was as it was an option of curiosity. “The idea of movement to recover was intriguing and I was at the end of my line,” they disclosed.
The results were incredible. “I had improvements almost immediately,” the patient shared. Disclosing that after receiving Certified AT treatment they were able to take no pain killers and attend the conference and walk all day.
In this case, choosing Athletic Therapy was not just about addressing pain but about regaining control over their body and life. Instilling a level of knowledge and confidence around their wellness goals, the patient explained, “My AT saved my life and helped me get back to doing the things I love.”
These accounts, along with others, display the true transformative power of Athletic Therapy. With a multifaceted approach and tailored treatment plans, Certified ATs target the root cause of pain and provide proactive strategies that empower patients to take an active role in their recovery.
The collected testimonials represent something we already know – Athletic Therapy is more than just a treatment for injuries, but a key pillar of wellness, and a preventative, restorative resource for anyone. Going beyond healing the body, it enhances mental well-being, restores confidence and helps individuals maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. These stories have the power to shift public perception, as experiences are shared and stories are told, awareness grows, snowballing into a greater impact that prompts lasting change for all.
Everyone deserves the chance to live a life free from pain. By joining this conversation, and inviting your patients to share their stories, you can contribute to a growing movement that supports better health outcomes. Athletic Therapy is for every body, real life stories can encourage, drive and spark lasting change.
If you have a patient (or are a patient) whose story could make an impact, we encourage you to share it here.
Learn more and get involved in our campaign to make Athletic Therapy available to everyone at: movefreelylivefully.ca
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