Athletic Therapy Expert
1.1 Describe and differentiate the physiological and pathophysiological responses to inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions and the influence of these responses on the design, implementation, and progression of a rehabilitation program.
1.2 Compare and contrast variations in healing and the physiological response to injury and across the lifespan.
1.3 Employ techniques and procedures for neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) evaluation of common athletic injuries/illnesses including: a) a history, b) observation, c) functional testing (active, passive, isometric/resisted), d) special tests, and e) palpation.
1.4 Interpret the findings of a NMSK evaluation using a differential diagnosis strategy.
1.5 Identify urgent health conditions (red flags) that require immediate attention and take appropriate action.
1.6 Formulate a clinical impression based on the NMSK evaluation.
1.7 Identify and prioritize therapeutic goals and objectives with the patient including a) control of pain and/or swelling, improvement of b) strength, c) endurance, d) power, e) flexibility and joint range of motion, f) proprioception and coordination, g) neuromuscular control h) postural control and stability/balance, and i) maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness, j) establishment of core stability, k) psychological considerations, l) injury protection and tertiary prevention m) functional testing and sport-specific progressions, n) return to sport/activity considerations, and o) development of a home program.
1.8 Construct a comprehensive, evidence-informed rehabilitation program based on the NMSK evaluation by selecting rehabilitative exercises, therapeutic modalities, and manual therapy techniques that address therapeutic goals and objectives.
1.9 Evaluate rehabilitation progress and adapt to findings for optimal care.
1.10 Assess the patient prior to operating therapeutic modalities for indications and contraindications associated with modalities from the following categories: a) electrical, b) mechanical, and c) thermal.
1.11 Appropriately and safely apply therapeutic modalities.
1.12 Appropriately and safely utilize exercise equipment.
1.13 Perform manual therapy techniques consistent with your rehabilitation program.
1.14 Develop and complete a discharge plan.
1.15 Execute emergency action plans to facilitate efficient patient care.
1.16 Detect life-threatening conditions by performing an effective primary assessment that includes: a) a scene survey, b) spinal and/or other required stabilization, c) level of responsiveness (previously level of consciousness in First Responder), and assessment of: d) airway, e) breathing, f) circulation, g) deadly bleeds, and h) pulse oximetry.
1.17 Recognize when emergency medical services are necessary for patient care based on the primary assessment.
1.18 Activate emergency medical services efficiently for patient care.
1.19 Employ life-saving techniques in pre-hospital care according to current Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder standards and provincial legislation.
1.20 Remove sports equipment, as necessary, for emergency procedures.
1.21 Perform a secondary assessment according to the Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder scope of practice including: a) a history, b) head to toe assessment/physical exam, c) vitals, d) ongoing monitoring, and e) patient care.
1.22 Differentiate between normal and abnormal vital signs to guide assessment and treatment, as appropriate.
1.23 Triage individuals in emergency and non-emergency situations.
1.24 Provide patient assistance with medications according to Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder scope of practice and provincial legislation.
1.25 Provide appropriate patient care for non-immediate life-threatening injuries and conditions according to Canadian Red Cross Professional Responder standards and provincial legislation.
1.26 Make a secondary transport decision based on your secondary assessment findings.
1.27 Evaluate if the injured patient should be referred to a physician for a medical examination.
1.28 Perform a sideline evaluation to determine if there is potential for same-day return to activity/sport for the athlete.
1.29 Facilitate functional testing for potential return to activity by: a) applying taping and wrapping techniques, b) fabricating or using padding or bracing devices, and/or c) fitting regulated protective equipment to the athlete.
1.30 Appropriately fit and modify protective equipment to maintain safety standards (for example, CSA).
1.31 Analyze sport-specific skills and movement patterns required by an athlete/patient and develop appropriate functional tests to evaluate potential for return to sport/activity.
1.32 Evaluate the functional effectiveness of taping techniques and/or equipment modifications to facilitate safe return to sport/activity for the athlete/patient.
1.33 Use evidence-informed criteria and appropriate outcome measures to make return to activity/sport decisions based on functional testing.
1.34 Modify taping and wrapping techniques or equipment as necessary to facilitate safe return to sport/activity for the athlete/patient.
1.35 Prevent, screen, evaluate, manage, and treat concussions.
Professional
2.1 Perform professional responsibilities according to ethical, moral, and provincial/territorial legal parameters.
2.2 Practice according to the CATA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Bylaws, and standards.
2.3 Prioritize professional duties when managing multiple patients, competing needs, and/or available resources.
2.4 Establish professional therapeutic relationships with patients.
2.5 Recognize the dependent relationship of a patient to the Certified Athletic Therapist and establish professional boundaries.
2.6 Share health information (verbally, in writing, and/or electronically) with patients and others on a need-to-know basis according to provincial/territorial legislation to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality.
2.7 Document patient health information (in writing and/or electronically) according to organizational standards and provincial/territorial legislation to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality.
2.8 Use documentation and/or effective processes to facilitate patient referral.
2.9 Use an information management system to maintain medical records and ensure compliance with provincial/territorial legislation.
2.10 Comply with manufacturer, institutional, and provincial/territorial/federal inspection, maintenance, and safety standards to operate therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation equipment.
2.11 Manage time and priorities effectively to balance career, inclusive of self-care.
2.12 Maintain personal health and wellness to meet practice demands.
2.13 Explain the process of obtaining and maintaining national and/or provincial/territorial certification.
2.14 Maintain certification by accumulating continuing education units (CEUs) and possessing current CPR certification.
2.15 Implement a planned approach to maintain competence across all seven athletic therapy roles.
2.16 Reflect on personal competence and integrate external feedback to create a professional development plan that promotes lifelong learning.
2.17 Evaluate the need for mentorship and/or collegial support for professional development.
2.18 Identify the implications of provincial/territorial health care regulation.
2.19 Identify important historical events, milestones, and the influential contributions of leaders in the development of the athletic therapy profession in Canada.
2.20 Describe the role and function of the CATA and all regional chapters and their importance to the profession.
Collaborator
3.1 Describe the role of the athletic therapist within the context of the health care system.
3.2 Work with physicians and other health care professionals to manage differences and resolve conflicts.
3.3 Determine when findings from the NMSK evaluation warrant physician referral.
3.4 Collaborate with physicians to confirm injury diagnoses (for example, using laboratory studies and/or diagnostic imaging).
3.5 Collaborate with a physician in the implementation of a return to sport/activity protocol for the athlete/patient with a concussion.
3.6 Use the appropriate patient/client care pathway(s) to facilitate interprofessional medical care.
3.7 Demonstrate effective handovers to pre-hospital and hospital personnel for patient safety and continuity of care.
3.8 Differentiate the responsibilities of the athletic therapist from other pre-hospital and hospital-based care providers, including: emergency medical technicians/paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, sport medicine physicians, and orthopedic surgeons.
3.9 Collaborate with orthopedic surgeons regarding post-operative care.
3.10 Facilitate the use of medications prescribed by physicians and pharmacists to ensure continuity of care.
3.11 Contribute as a valuable team member on an athletic therapy staff.
3.12 Negotiate overlapping and shared responsibilities, in multidisciplinary settings, with other health care professionals to prevent misunderstandings related to scope of practice, including: physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, massage therapists, and others.
3.13 Integrate complementary care by referring to other health care professionals when optimal for the athlete/patient to return to sport/activity.
3.14 Engage in shared decision-making as an effective medical team member with other athletic therapists, physicians and/or additional health care professionals during event coverage.
3.15 Plan and implement components of a comprehensive injury/illness prevention program with relevant stakeholders, including: a) physical examinations and screening procedures (physicians), b) conditioning (strength and conditioning coaches, certified exercise physiologists), c) fitting and maintenance of protective equipment (equipment managers), d) application of bracing and prosthetic devices (orthotists, pedorthists, podiatrists), and e) control of risk factors (sport organizations, administrators, and coaches).
3.16 Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches, certified exercise physiologists, kinesiologists, and certified personal trainers to administer and interpret standard tests, protocols, and pre-screening procedures to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, flexibility, strength, balance, power, speed, agility, and endurance.
3.17 Identify health services, community health agencies, and community-based psychological and social services to support patients through personal health and social issues.
3.18 Identify common signs and symptoms related to mental health concerns, behavioural/emotional disorders, stress, substance abuse, and interpersonal conflict.
3.19 Employ appropriate protocol for patient referral to health, psychological, or social services based on recognition of signs and symptoms.
3.20 Recognize and acutely manage psychological and emotional responses to a critical incident and refer affected parties to mental health care professionals, as necessary.
3.21 Adapt, where appropriate, a rehabilitation or conditioning program based on collaboration with mental health care professionals including (sport) psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and social workers.
3.22 Act as an effective liaison between athletes, coaches, health care professionals, parents, and other stakeholders.
3.23 Work with team personnel, including coaches, and the team dietician/nutritionist to plan good nutrition and diet for sport/activity and injury rehabilitation.
3.24 Work collaboratively with organization administrators and staff members regarding the operation of athletic therapy programs and services.
3.25 Collaborate with health care professionals to provide specialized care for individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
Communicator
4.1 Use effective communication strategies (i.e., cultural competence, situational awareness, and timeliness) to build rapport and trust with the patient.
4.2 Use communication strategies to facilitate effective patient care.
4.3 Employ empathy, respect, and compassion as part of a patient-centred approach to communication.
4.4 Adapt their communication approach to situational context.
4.5 Inquire about and explore the patient’s beliefs, values, preferences, context, and expectations.
4.6 Facilitate non-judgmental discussions with the patient, considering cultural context.
4.7 Detect, interpret, and respond appropriately to the patient’s verbal and non-verbal cues for effective communication.
4.8 Actively listen and adapt to the individualized needs and goals of each patient.
4.9 Explain the rationale for a return to sport/activity decision to the patient, team personnel (including coaches), and family.
4.10 Use counselling strategies (i.e., guide, advise, and/or rationalize) to help the patient make informed decisions regarding their health care.
4.11 Use communication skills that help the patient and their family make informed decisions regarding their health care while ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
4.12 Recognize when the values, biases, or perspectives of the athletic therapist, the patient, physicians, or other health care professionals may have an impact on the quality of care.
4.13 Employ diplomacy, tact, and discretion to manage emotionally charged conversations and conflicts.
4.14 Use appropriate terminology to effectively communicate findings to the patient and relevant stakeholders including the patient’s family.
4.15 Use appropriate history-taking skills to effectively gather relevant patient information.
4.16 Obtain relevant information from bystanders and the patient’s family for patients with altered levels of consciousness.
4.17 Use communication tools and electronic technologies effectively and responsibly.
4.18 Provide patient education to facilitate healthy lifestyle behaviours.
4.19 Provide patient education for ergonomic principles and their relationship to the prevention of illness and injury.
4.20 Demonstrate and provide patient education for warmup and stretching techniques to promote safe participation in sport/activity.
4.21 Demonstrate, educate, and counsel for correct and safe exercise performance.
4.22 Educate patients to develop self-management and self-treatment skills for initial injury management and to facilitate therapeutic goals.
4.23 Demonstrate effective written communication skills (i.e., clear, concise, and organized).
Scholar
5.1 Describe and differentiate between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs.
5.2 Find best available evidence to answer a clinical question in athletic therapy practice by identifying key concepts and using appropriate keywords, subject headings, and limits to search relevant databases.
5.3 Critically appraise research design, statistical analyses, and levels of evidence to interpret and evaluate research that informs athletic therapy practice.
5.4 Use standard criteria or developed scales to critically appraise the structure, rigour, and overall quality of research studies for integration into athletic therapy practice.
5.5 Incorporate best available evidence into decision-making for injury prevention, assessment, management, and rehabilitation.
5.6 Identify risk factors, causes, and types of injuries related to sport/activity based on contemporary epidemiological data.
5.7 Interpret best available evidence (for example, reliability, sensitivity, specificity) to select NMSK evaluation and diagnostic procedures.
5.8 Integrate subjective clinical outcome measures (for example, generic, disease-specific, region-specific, and health-related quality of life measures) in athletic therapy practice.
5.9 Integrate objective clinical outcome measures (for example, functional and instrument-based testing) in athletic therapy practice.
5.10 Integrate clinical practice guidelines in athletic therapy practice.
5.11 Regularly reflect on their use of evidence in athletic therapy practice for lifelong learning and professional improvement.
5.12 Educate health care professionals based on contemporary evidence and innovation related to athletic therapy practice.
5.13 Recognize knowledge gaps in professional encounters, and explore or generate focused questions that contribute to the practice of athletic therapy and health care delivery.
5.14 Contribute to the improvement of athletic therapy practice and/or health care through knowledge creation, knowledge translation, and practice integration through ethical research and/or scholarly endeavours.
5.15 Follow ethical protocols (i.e., Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 [TCPS 2]) when conducting research.
Leader
6.1 Provide leadership in athletic therapy practice.
6.2 Promote and advocate for the athletic therapy profession.
6.3 Promote the value of athletic therapy services.
6.4 Educate colleagues, students, patients, the public, insurance companies, government entities, and other health care professionals about the roles, responsibilities, academic preparation, and scope of practice of athletic therapists.
6.5 Identify and address contemporary issues and problems confronting athletic therapy practice and health care.
6.6 Foster a culture that promotes patient safety including adapting systems and services based on adverse events.
6.7 Facilitate a safe learning environment for professionals and developing professionals.
6.8 Integrate mentorship for professionals and developing professionals into practice.
6.9 Support the professional development of others for quality improvement of athletic therapy practice and services.
6.10 Conduct business practices in accordance with CATA, local, provincial/territorial, and federal governing laws, policies and procedures.
6.11 Develop and implement administrative policies and procedures to facilitate athletic therapy services.
6.12 Develop and continually review a comprehensive emergency action plan.
6.13 Orient, coordinate, and manage personnel in a variety of professional domains.
6.14 Facilitate cooperation among administrators, coaches, athletic therapists, health care professionals, parents, and patients/athletes/clients.
6.15 Manage equipment, supplies, and resources in a cost-effective manner.
6.16 Evaluate, mitigate, and manage risks in athletic therapy practice.
6.17 Contribute to the improvement of health care delivery at all levels.
Health Advocate
7.1 Champion the health needs of patients.
7.2 Develop, implement, and evaluate to improve disease prevention and health promotion strategies utilizing best practices.
7.3 Employ health promotion strategies that align with Occupational Health and Safety standards to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
7.4 Advocate for good nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits for health maintenance, performance enhancement, and disease prevention.
7.5 Evaluate contemporary nutrition and dietary intake recommendations and explain how to perform a basic dietary analysis.
7.6 Evaluate prevailing nutrition and/or lifestyle misconceptions and fads.
7.7 Evaluate changes in dietary requirements that occur based on health status, age, and activity level, and provide guidance or refer where appropriate.
7.8 Advocate for good nutrition to facilitate optimal healing and tissue repair.
7.9 Recognize and compare general and adverse effects of commonly used dietary supplements.
7.10 Evaluate healthy weight management methods and strategies.
7.11 Recognize, support, and refer an individual with an eating disorder.
7.12 Promote the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines for pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical products (supplements, ergogenics, and herbal remedies) that facilitate recovery, function, and performance.
7.13 Facilitate and/or conduct doping control programs in compliance with WADA to protect athlete health and to ensure fair play.
7.14 Develop, implement, and evaluate to improve injury prevention programs utilizing best practices.
7.15 Facilitate safe participation for all populations in sport/activity through preparticipation screening for medical conditions, diseases, and injury risk factors.
7.16 Appraise the patient’s readiness for participation based on sport/activity requirements.
7.17 Advocate for the patient when identified sport/activity risks could compromise the patient’s health.
7.18 Advocate for the athlete when coaching method(s), sport demands, and/or conditioning technique(s) could potentially compromise the athlete’s health and wellness
7.19 Integrate guidelines and practices associated with preventing sudden death during physical activity into athletic therapy practice.
7.20 Construct an effective heat illness prevention program.
7.21 Assess weight loss and hydration status to evaluate an individual’s ability to participate in sport/activity in a hot, humid environment.
7.22 Manage environmental risks to promote athlete and patient health.
7.23 Apply prophylactic techniques to promote primary injury prevention (for example, taping).
7.24 Recognize and support psychosocial and emotional responses to trauma and modified activity that may affect the rehabilitation process.
7.25 Apply behavioural change theory in rehabilitation to educate, motivate, lead, and inspire patients.
7.26 Apply psychological techniques that can be used to motivate the patient during injury rehabilitation and to facilitate safe return to sport/activity.
7.27 Describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles related to commonly used prescription and non-prescription drugs, and performance-enhancing substances.
7.28 Recognize and describe how pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly used pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products may impact health and/or physical activity.
7.29 Describe and compare common drug administration routes.
7.30 Describe how common pharmacological agents influence pain and healing and integrate this information into your rehabilitation program.