Athletic therapy focuses on the effective treatment of musculoskeletal (muscles, bones, and joints) conditions. Athletic therapists adhere to the sports medicine model of care. They treat a wide range of clients, from professional athletes to the weekend warrior, using manual therapy, modalities, and correct biomechanical exercise and movement. The treatments may vary but the objective doesn’t: An athletic therapist’s goal is to help people return to their usual activities at the highest level possible, whether that means playing competitive sports or performing daily living activities.

Physiotherapy focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical impairments, disabilities, and pain through various non-surgical methods. It aims to restore and maintain functional movement, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life.
Physiotherapists use techniques such as exercises, manual therapy (e.g., joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage), electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, and patient education to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions. Physiotherapy is often used for conditions like musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, post-operative rehabilitation, cardiovascular issues, and age-related mobility problems.

Massage therapy consists of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints for the purpose of optimizing health. Massage has a therapeutic effect on improving circulation, mobility, reducing muscle tension, and increasing relaxation.
Patient function can be developed, maintained, and improved; and physical dysfunction, pain, and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy.