Injuries are often more than just a temporary setback, and can disrupt not only your performance on race day, but also your work life and overall well-being–especially for runners. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an experienced athlete, facing an injury can be incredibly frustrating. This is where athletic therapy steps in–a treatment focused on addressing the root causes of injuries and speeding up recovery. But for many people, the cost of therapy becomes a barrier. With limited or no coverage under many insurance plans (if you even have a plan), getting the help you need can become unaffordable. The “Move Freely. Live Fully.” campaign, created by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, aims to change that by advocating for the inclusion of athletic therapy in workplace health benefits.
What sets athletic therapy apart?
So, what exactly is athletic therapy, and how does it differ from traditional physiotherapy or chiropractic care? In essence, athletic therapy focuses on helping people recover from injuries as quickly as possible—whether it’s a sports injury, post-surgery recovery or even long-term pain management. The key difference is that athletic therapy works not only to alleviate symptoms, but also to restore full functionality, especially for active people like runners who rely on their bodies for performance. With 91 per cent of Canadians agreeing that this therapy should be covered by employer health plans, it’s clear that many people see the value. Despite this, athletic therapy remains underrepresented in most benefits packages, leaving runners without an accessible and affordable recovery option.
Taking action for a better recovery
The impact of being sidelined stretches far beyond race day. Treatments like athletic therapy must be available to everyone, not just those with specific plans or deep pockets. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, trying to prevent one or just aiming to stay active and pain-free, being free from worry about how you’ll fund your therapy brings peace of mind.
By joining the “Move Freely. Live Fully.” movement, you can advocate for better coverage and make athletic therapy a standard offering in employee health benefits. More support for this cause means better access to care for all Canadians, helping us all live and move freely. To sign the petition, head here. To find a certified athletic therapist near you, head here.
