What's New at Physio Sport Med

Shoutout to the Heroes Who Tape Ankles, Save Backs, and Remind Us That Ice Isn’t Just for Cocktails

It’s June in Canada — the month when the sun finally shows up, patios reopen, and… we celebrate National Athletic Therapy Month! While everyone else is planning cottage weekends, we’re tipping our foam rollers to the incredible folks keeping our joints moving and our muscles happy: Certified Athletic Therapists.

You might think Athletic Therapists only hang out at sports fields, sprinting in with med kits every time someone pulls a hammy. But let us introduce you to their quieter, less dramatic cousin — the Clinical Athletic Therapist — the unsung hero of recovery rooms, clinics, and rehab spaces across Canada.

What Exactly Is an Athletic Therapist?

Think of them as the Swiss Army knives of the injury world. Certified by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA), these professionals are trained to assess, treat, and rehab all things musculoskeletal — that’s fancy talk for bones, joints, muscles, and tissues that hate stairs after leg day.
They use a combination of:

• Hands-on manual therapy (a.k.a. the good pain)
• Personalized rehab exercises
• Bracing, taping, and bandaging that would make a mummy jealous
• Concussion care and return-to-play planning
• Injury prevention tips that you’ll probably ignore until your next injury

The Clinical Athletic Therapist: Not Just for Pro Athletes

Here’s the plot twist: you don’t need to be an Olympian or a professional hockey player to see an Athletic Therapist. In fact, most of their clients are regular humans — office workers with sore necks, parents with aching backs, gym-goers who went a little too hard on leg day, or weekend warriors who believe they can still “go full out” like they did in college. (Spoiler: they can’t.)

In a clinic setting, Athletic Therapists focus on getting you back to doing what you love — whether that’s chasing your kids, walking your dog, lifting at the gym, or just being able to sneeze without throwing your back out.

Why Their Work Matters (Even If You’re Not Made of Muscle)

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the top reasons Canadians visit healthcare professionals. Clinical Athletic Therapists help people:

• Recover from sprains, strains, tears, and everything in between
• Avoid surgery when possible
• Rehab post-op with personalized plans
• Learn how to prevent future injuries (or at least avoid repeating the same ones)

Their goal? To get you moving better, faster — ideally with fewer “Oofs” and “Aarghs” every time you stand up.

At Physio Sport Med,  Carmen is a registered massage therapist,  but is also a certified Athletic Therapist.   Book now to make use of her many talents.
 

​Rotator Cuff Rescue: Paddle With Purpose

Paddling may feel effortless at first, but those shoulders will notice after a few lakes. Avoid overuse injuries by switching paddle sides often, keeping your strokes smooth, and engaging your core—not just your arms. A strong core = a happy shoulder. And take breaks! The loons will wait.

Portage Without Punishment

Portaging is not a race (unless you're my son). Bend at the knees, keep loads balanced, and if your canoe makes you look like a cartoon sandwich, redistribute that gear. A hiking pole or sturdy stick can help on rough trails. And don't forget to stretch those hip flexors afterward—they’ve been doing more work than they signed up for.

Tent Time = Stretch Time

After a day of adventure, take 5–10 minutes to stretch before crawling into your nylon cocoon. Focus on your back, hips, and hamstrings. Trust me, your spine will thank you in the morning.

Enjoy the Trip—And the Recovery
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Nature’s beautiful—but she’s not gentle. So prep your body, listen to it, and when you return with epic stories and mildly sore glutes, we’ll be here at PSM with open arms, foam rollers, and zero judgment.
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Different Demands on Your Body 

Running on a treadmill offers a smooth, cushioned surface with consistent conditions. It's ideal during our long Canadian winters, helping runners maintain fitness when roads are icy or trails are snow-covered. But once spring hits and you head outside, you’re suddenly dealing with uneven sidewalks, changing terrain, wind resistance, and hills. These variables engage your muscles and joints in new ways—especially the ankles, knees, and hips. 

If you've been on a treadmill all winter, your body may not be used to these challenges, making you more prone to overuse injuries like shin splints, IT band syndrome, or Achilles tendinitis. 

How to Transition Safely This Spring 

1. Ease Into It: Don’t go from five treadmill runs a week to five outdoor runs. Start with 1–2 outdoor runs and gradually increase as your body adapts. 
2. Warm Up First: Cooler spring mornings can still leave muscles tight. A dynamic warm-up of leg swings, walking lunges, and high knees will prep your body for the variable terrain. 
3. Choose the Right Footwear: Sidewalks and trails require more shock absorption and grip. Make sure your shoes are appropriate for outdoor conditions and haven’t worn out over the winter. 
4. Watch the Surface: Spring can mean slippery mud, wet pavement, and sidewalk/trail damage due to ice. Stay alert and choose routes you know are clear. 
5. Listen to Your Body: Soreness from new terrain is normal. Sharp or persistent pain is not. See a physiotherapist if something doesn’t feel right. 

Spring is a great time to reconnect with nature and your fitness goals. With a mindful transition, you can enjoy the season injury-free. If you have questions about your running form or want help preventing injuries, our clinic is here to support your spring comeback! 

Incorporating massage therapy into a physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment plan can significantly enhance overall recovery and well-being. While physiotherapists and chiropractors focus on structural alignment, mobility, and function, massage therapy complements these goals by targeting soft tissues to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress.

Massage therapy promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow to affected areas, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. This can be especially beneficial after injury or surgery, where reducing inflammation and enhancing flexibility are key to regaining function. Additionally, massage can help prepare muscles for manual adjustments and improve range of motion.

Another major benefit is pain reduction. Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of endorphins—natural painkillers—helping patients manage chronic or acute discomfort more effectively without relying solely on medication.

Furthermore, the relaxing nature of massage therapy contributes to reduced anxiety and improved sleep, both of which are critical for long-term recovery and physical performance. When combined with physiotherapy or chiropractic care, massage therapy offers a holistic approach that addresses both the structural and muscular components of pain and dysfunction, leading to more comprehensive and lasting results.

Meet our team

​Michael Burrow

Michael graduate in 2018 earning the Sports Outreach Specialization Award.  His background in competitive sport allows him to understand and treat common injuries found in the athletic community.   He incorporated Functional Range Conditioning and Functional Range Systems into his treatments to maximize recovery.   Recently, Michael started offering Fascial Stretch Therapy.

FUN FACT:   Michael played Junior A lacrosse for Mimico, so he is able to understand the demands and pressures on amateur athletes.
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​Liia Wu

​Proficient in deep tissue, sports and relaxation massage, Liia integrates cupping therapy and gua sha therapy into the treatments. Currently enrolled in the Acupuncture program at CCTCM, she is committed to expanding her healthcare practice.  Yifan believes that integrating acupuncture and acupoint massage will significantly enhance her ability to alleviate clients' pain and improve their overall well-being.
 
FUN FACT: Yifan-Liia has decades of experience playing the violin, brings a unique perspective to her practice.
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​Carmen Chan
 
Carmen’s massage therapy practice is shaped by over a decade of experience as a Certified Athletic Therapist. She is passionate about working with all athletes and has worked extensively in hockey, volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Carmen strongly believes that a successful treatment plan requires collaboration between the practitioner and client. 
​
FUN FACT:  Carmen is learning American Sign Language and has been the medical support for the Deaf Olympics.
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So, what makes Fascial Stretch Therapy stand out? Let’s break down its key benefits:

​1.  Improved Flexibility and Mobility
Unlike traditional stretching, which focuses on isolated muscles, FST works on entire muscle groups and their connective tissue. This helps increase range of motion more effectively and sustainably. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance or someone who just wants to move with more ease, FST can help you move better and feel better.

2.  Reduced Pain and Tension
Chronic tension in the fascia can contribute to joint pain, back discomfort, and muscle tightness. FST gently targets these areas, releasing restrictions and reducing pressure on pain-sensitive structures. Many clients report a significant reduction in discomfort after just a few sessions.

3.  Enhanced Athletic Performance
By improving joint range and muscle efficiency, FST can help athletes generate more power and reduce the risk of injury. It also aids in faster recovery by promoting circulation and reducing muscle soreness after intense workouts.

4.  Stress Relief and Relaxation
FST sessions are often described as calming and restorative. The gentle, rhythmic movements not only stretch the body but also calm the nervous system, making it a great tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

5.  Posture Correction
Poor posture often stems from imbalances in the fascia. FST helps realign the body by loosening tight areas and strengthening weak ones, leading to better posture and less strain on your body throughout the day.

Whether you're rehabbing from an injury, enhancing your athletic routine, or simply seeking better body balance, Fascial Stretch Therapy is a versatile, effective approach to total-body wellness.