Athletic Therapy in Victoria

Certified Athletic Therapists are highly skilled health care professionals that provide care for people who have suffered an injury whether it be acute or chronic. They are experts in the areas of manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation/therapeutic exercise and training for athletic performance. Techniques used may include a combination of manual therapy (hands on soft tissue and joint manipulation), rehabilitative exercises (exercise therapy), one on one training and home care routine design.

An Athletic Therapist can help you:
  • Recovering from Injuries from a Car Accident
  • Diagnose and Treat Acute Injuries like sprains and strains, knee & shoulder injuries and more.
  • Preparation or Improvement of Sport Performance for  marathons, triathlons, rowing, cycling, etc.
  • Chronic Injuries like nagging aches & pains, old or re-occurring injuries
  • Fitness Program Design for people new to working out or for people wanting to step it up and get the most out of their routine.
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Much like Physiotherapists, Athletic Therapists focuses on  immediate care, preventative care and body reconditioning. It is appropriate for all age groups and all fitness levels. This field of sports medicine provides all the tools and resources you need for optimal healing in preparation for safe reintegration into an active, pain free  lifestyle. 

Therapeutic Exercise Programs

Functional, pain free movement is central to what it means to be healthy. The value of something as simple as being able to get up off the floor or bend over and pick something up isn't something you realize until you can't do it any more.  A Therapeutic Exercise Program can be done one on one in the office with your Athletic Therapist, or be designed by your AT and done at home, at the gym, even with your personal trainer.  Design is based on your individual needs and goals whether you simply want to be able to go for a walk without pain or you want to train to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 

  • Rehabilitate Injuries
  • Correct Postural Imbalances
  • Strengthen Weak Muscles
  • Increase Flexibility and Movement
  • Reduce Pain & Restore Function
  • Prevent Disability & Degeneration
  • Develop Fitness & Technique
  • Get Back to Playing Your Sport
  • Get Back to Work
  • Get Back to Living!
 
Based on your goals, health history and full body assessment our Athletic Therapists can design a program that you can  use at home, at the gym or come into clinic and train one on one in our private studio space using body weight exercises, free weights, therabands, balance board, exercise ball and more.
 
Therapeutic Exercise helps in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease, repetitive strain or environmental factors. Recovering from things like a car accident can be difficult, especially if you don't know where to start. Sometimes an old injury just keeps coming back and you can't figure out why. Perhaps you rolled you ankle yesterday and you aren't sure what to do to ensure it heals properly. Whatever it is, our hands on approach can help!

Athletic Conditioning Programs

Athletic Conditioning is sport specific training that is individualized based on your goals, body type, alignment, history of injury and fitness level.  For example, a 45 year old man training for his first triathlon will require a much different program than a 23 year old woman playing soccer.  Athletic Therapists can design a customized training program for you based on:

  • Your Specific Sport of Activity
  • Your Goals
  • Your Level of Competition (beginner, intermediate, advanced, professional) & where you want to be
  • Health history (previous injuries, conditions, postural imbalances, weight, etc.)

Start with 1 hour Athletic Conditioning Evaluation including:
  • Assessment of current fitness level,
  • Full body alignment and postural scan.
  • Review of current sport specific training regime with suggested plan to improve performance, reduce recovery time and prevent injury.

Follow up appointments (typically 30-45mins each) are recommended about every 4-6 weeks in order to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments such as increasing weight/duration/intensity/speed, etc.

Your follow up frequency can be discussed with your Athletic Therapist at your first appointment and can be flexible to suit your schedule.

About Justine Aichelberger,
​Athletic Therapist

Justine Aichelberger was born and raised in Victoria B.C. She is a certified Athletic Therapist who graduated with an Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy from Camosun College. She is also an active member with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association and the Athletic Therapists Association of British Columbia. More...