This blog reflects the importance of athletic therapists in adaptive sports, drawing from
my experience and knowledge to ensure athletes, at any level, can compete safely and
effectively. It’s a field that combines an interest, innovation, and a deep commitment to
athlete care—key elements that drive both individual and collective enjoyment in the
world of adaptive sports.

Adaptive Sports Movement
With the Paris Paralympics just around the corner (Aug 28 – Sept 8) there will be a
growing visibility of adaptive sports. The Paralympics and Invictus Games have
highlighted the incredible achievements of these athletes. Behind every medal and
personal best is a team of dedicated professionals, including athletic therapists, who
help athletes reach their potential. The success of Paralympic teams, such as the
Canadian Wheelchair Basketball teams that have clinched multiple gold medals, is a
testament to the collaborative effort between athletes and their support staff.

Athletic Therapy in Adaptive Sports

The role of athletic therapists in adaptive sport includes many hats. Treating not only the
athlete’s sports injuries but understanding possible issues from the athlete’s primary
injury (spinal cord injury, amputation, trauma, congenital condition) ensures athletic
therapists can provide the best care possible. Furthermore, the evolution of adaptive
sports (2028 LA Paralympics will include para-climbing) at all levels—from grassroots to
elite competition— requires athletic therapists to stay at the forefront of innovation,
recognizing the need for equipment alterations or training modifications to safeguard
athletes from unnecessary injuries.

Conclusion  
Athletic therapists play a pivotal role in the adaptive sports landscape, contributing to
the health, performance, and overall well-being of athletes. Their work not only
enhances the physical capabilities of athletes, enabling them to achieve remarkable
feats. As the world of adaptive sports continues to evolve, the expertise and dedication
of athletic therapists will remain indispensable, helping athletes redefine what is
possible in sports.

Here at Apple Creek Sports Medicine Centre, Brett Nagata is an athletic therapist with a
wealth of adaptive sport knowledge. If you are involved in adaptive sport or thinking of
participating at whatever level, he would be happy to speak with you. Brett has worked
with varying levels of adaptive sports in Canada, Great Britain and USA including the
Canadian Wheelchair Basketball team.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you’re experiencing pain or musculoskeletal issues, please consult with a qualified manual physiotherapist or healthcare professional for personalized assessment and treatment.