Athletic therapy has grown so much over the past few years, with more Certified Athletic Therapists joining the field and public awareness surrounding the benefits of athletic therapy increasing each day. As we look back, we can see how far athletic therapy has come, begging the question of what athletic therapy will look like in the future.
We asked Kirsten Kidd, Certified Athletic Therapist and President of CATA, and Schad Richea, Certified Athletic Therapist and Vice-President of CATA, what their perspectives are on the future of athletic therapy. Here is what they had to say:
Kirsten Kidd:
The future of Athletic Therapy looks hopeful. Already we have seen some incredible advancements, however, we have only just begun to expand into new realms where a Certified Athletic Therapist can be of benefit. In the future, there will be many new possibilities for Certified Athletic Therapists as we continue to share the message that athletic therapy is for everyone. As we move forward, I hope to see more Certified ATs developing products/technology of their own to assist in clinical or fieldwork, increased involvement in areas where athletic therapy would be of benefit, such as the tech industry, and more.
Below are some ways that we will be able to make this possible in the future:
- We need to continue the push for equality and recognition clinically. This will occur with the continued effort for insurance marketing campaigns, as well as awareness within unions across Canada.
- Fieldwork is one of the areas that sets AT apart from other health professions. We need to continue to be the leaders in this realm and show sports associations at all levels the importance of having an AT at all events.
- We need to continue to support regions and provinces in their process of regulation.
- It is crucial to support all Certified ATs across Canada in their efforts to improve the field of Athletic Therapy. CATA is committed to supporting its members and providing resources and training to advance the field.
- Continuing research at the academic and private levels. Evidence-based research and practice in Athletic Therapy in both the field and clinical settings is crucial for its advancement.
- Increasing awareness of preventative programs for athletes, factory workers, patients, military, first responders etc. Injury prevention programs are continuing to grow in awareness and Certified ATs are able to implement their knowledge and background in a wide variety of settings.
On behalf of the CATA, we look forward to all the advancements to come in our field and amongst our members. The future of athletic therapy is reliant on all of our dedicated Certified ATs, and as we look around, we are optimistic about what the future holds.
Schad Richea:
As the Vice-President of the CATA, I can attest to how hard the Board of Directors and CATA staff are working to transform the CATA, readying our members to flourish in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare knowledge, expertise, and delivery.
I see the future of athletic therapy including (but not limited to) these markers:
- Integration of new technology: The use of technology in athletic therapy practice is surely going to increase. For example, the use of wearable devices for monitoring athletes' performance and health, as well as more reliance on telehealth solutions for remote consultations and monitoring (allowing for a better work-life balance).
- Increased interdisciplinary collaboration, public awareness, and an expanded role in healthcare:Collaboration among healthcare professionals, including athletic therapists, physiotherapists, and other specialists, will become more common and reciprocated. Our credentials and expertise will be universally recognized and our seat at the healthcare table will be welcomed. The importance of striving toward provincial regulation and more provinces receiving regulation will also aid in this regard.
- Preventive and performance enhancement programs: There will be an increased emphasis on preventive strategies and performance enhancement programs to help clients/patients/athletes optimize their physical condition and reduce the risk of injuries. Also, non-traditional athletic therapy industries will flourish as entrepreneurial Certified ATs continue to find new and unique ways to bring our expertise to under-served sectors where our skills are needed.
- Research and evidence-based practices: Our skilled Certified AT academics will continue to be research leaders and will contribute to the development of new and better evidence-based practices in athletic therapy. This will drive the whole profession forward.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion: Our profession will continue to represent and serve all, regardless of age, race, ability, religion, gender, or sexuality.
How will this be done? Upon the success of these specific initiatives set forth by CATA, we will begin to see the future of athletic therapy come to life:
- A successful, precise, and relentless marketing campaign directed at insurance companies to add athletic therapy as a choice for employees across Canada to have access to our members in their practices, clinics, and communities.
- Ensuring our members have access to current and evidenced-based continuing education opportunities, especially with new technologies and techniques required for a successful clinical and field athletic therapy practice.
- Ensuring our students are educated and understand the current trends in athletic therapy delivery. This means our accredited institutions also have a stake in ensuring the best educational standards required for certification.
With new advancements and ways to enhance athletic therapy already emerging, we’re grateful for the start of a new year that will bring Certified ATs opportunities to develop the future of the profession.
To learn more about the scope of practice for an Athletic Therapist, visit our website here. Stay up to date with CATA by following us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!