Athletic Therapy - Mike Grafstein, RMT, CAT(C), CMRP

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While you might typically regard Athletic Therapists as those individuals you see at your child’s local Richmond Hill, Aurora or King City hockey, soccer or baseball games taping ankles and providing First Aid, the field of Athletic Therapy is much more.  In many ways, Athletic Therapy is similar to Physiotherapy.

 

Athletic Therapy is a health care profession that specializes in the prevention, assessment and care of musculoskeletal disorders (muscles, bones, joints) especially as they relate to athletics and the pursuit of physical activity.

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Athletic therapists also adhere to the Sports Medicine Model of care. At Meridian, we treat a wide range of patients, from kids with concussions to seniors recovering from hip replacement surgery, using various manual therapies, modalities, exercise prescription and even bracing and taping. The treatment varies but the objective doesn’t: an Athletic Therapist’s goal is to help you return to your usual activities, whether that means playing competitive sports or simply walking to the mailbox and back.

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What Happens in an Athletic Therapy Visit?

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In-Office Assessment:

• Mike will discuss with you how the injury occurred, your symptoms, perform specific physical, orthopedic or fitness testing, look at any predisposing factors you have for injury, and use this information to formulate an Athletic Therapy diagnosis.

• He will also assess the potential of a sport-related traumatic brain injury/concussion when appropriate.

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Treatment:

• Advanced therapeutic techniques are used that support recovery, function and improve performance.​

• Mike will create an individualized treatment plan to manage your pain, work to being pain free and fully functional.

• Your treatment is geared specifically to you that includes and is not limited to, stretches, range of motion and strengthening exercises as needed.

• You will receive education and guidance on the most effective ways to stay on the right track to recover from your injury.

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Continued Monitoring:

• Re-assessments of the status of injuries are performed at each visit ​in order to determine the appropriate rehabilitation and fitness reconditioning plans.

• Future sessions will focus on addressing the causes of your dysfunction in order to decrease symptoms and
  restore normal pain-free function. Treatment sessions after your first assessment will consist of manual
  therapy techniques with exercise and instruction for a home program and appropriate self-treatment.

• Mike will provide you with appropriate return-to-sport protocols for patients with traumatic brain injuries or concussions.

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Conditions treated with Athletic Therapy

• Neck and Low Back sprains/strains

• Ligament sprains/ Muscle-tendon strains/ Tears

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy

• Lateral/medial epicondylosis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fasciitis / Achilles tendinitis

• Shin splints

• Patellofemoral disorders

• And more!

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Whether you are young or old, peewee, club, amateur or pro, in Richmond Hill, Aurora, King City or Newmarket, athletic therapy can be beneficial to the longevity of your sporting career!  Meet with me by clicking the button below to schedule your initial consultation at our Oak Ridges athletic therapy clinic.

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