Physiotherapist vs. Athletic Therapist vs. Kinesiologist
Who Should You See and When?
At Banff Sport Medicine, we know that active individuals—whether weekend warriors, elite athletes, or outdoor enthusiasts—want to get back to doing what they love, safely and effectively. That’s why we work closely with a team of rehabilitation professionals, including physiotherapists, athletic therapists, and kinesiologists.
While their roles can overlap, each brings a unique skillset to help with injury recovery and long-term performance.
Here’s how they differ, and how to know which one is right for you.
Physiotherapist
What they do:
Physiotherapists are registered healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries and physical conditions using a medical and biomechanical approach. At Banff Sport Medicine, our physiotherapists are experts in post-operative rehabilitation, joint and soft tissue injuries, and movement dysfunction.
When to see a physiotherapist:
- You need a professional diagnosis of any type of injury
- You’ve had orthopedic surgery (e.g., ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair)
- You’re dealing with persistent pain, limited range of motion, limited strength, or nerve-related symptoms
- You need a customized treatment plan involving education, manual therapy, modalities, and exercise
Common treatments:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Concussion recovery programs, vestibular rehabilitation.
- Manual therapy, dry needling, shockwave, and other modalities
- Exercise programming to help patients return from rehab towards performance.
Athletic Therapist
What they do:
Athletic therapists focus on the prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, especially in active populations. At Banff Sport Medicine, they’re often part of the rehab process for sports-related injuries.
When to see an athletic therapist:
- You’ve sustained a sports or activity-related injury (sprains, strains, concussions)
- You need return-to-play guidance after an injury so you can return to your sport
- You’re looking for a customized treatment plan involving education, manual therapy, modalities, and exercise
- You want hands-on, movement-focused rehab
- You’re looking for taping, bracing, or sport-specific reconditioning
- You don’t have private health insurance and are looking for a more affordable price point.
Common treatments:
- Acute injury management, or looking to recover from an injury and interested in getting back to an activity
- Concussion recovery programs
- Manual therapy and exercise-based treatment
- Functional movement screening and performance plans
Kinesiologist (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
What they do:
Kinesiologists are movement and exercise specialists who use evidence-based practices to help individuals improve physical function, return to full strength and performance, and prevent re-injury. They often support long-term recovery and performance planning.
When to see a kinesiologist:
- You’re transitioning from rehab to full return to sport or activity
- You want a personalized exercise program to prevent injury or improve performance
- You’re managing a chronic condition like arthritis, osteoporosis, or general deconditioning
- You want to have performance and physiology testing, including blood lactate testing or force plate analysis.
Common treatments:
- Progressive exercise programs
- Performance assessments (movement assessment, strength dynamometry, force plates)
- Chronic condition management
- Return-to-activity planning
Choosing the Right Practitioner at Banff Sport Medicine
Each professional on our team plays a role in your recovery and performance journey. Often, patients work with more than one practitioner as they move through stages of healing—from diagnosis and early treatment to functional training and long-term maintenance.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Practitioner | Best For |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | Surgical rehab, diagnosis, complex injuries, patients with private health insurance |
| Athletic Therapist | Sports injuries, acute care, return to play programming |
| Kinesiologist | Exercise programs, prevention, long-term fitness |
Not sure where to start?
Reach out on 403 760 2897 ext 3 and our integrated team will guide you to the right care.
