We specialize in on-ice and off-ice hockey fitness testing/conditioning programs.
If Doug worked out this much, so should you !
We are the leading ice hockey physical fitness testing and conditioning website. At Canadian Sports Therapy we specialize in on-ice and off-ice evaluations to determine what areas the player needs improve to become a better all-around player. Our hockey testing and conditioning programs will focus on extensive strengthening, physical training, improving flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, agility and quickness.
We have developed several books guided specifically towards hockey testing and conditioning. These books include exclusive professional pictures of N.H.L. players performing the off-ice exercises with easy to understand instructions.
At Canadian Sports Therapy, we:
- Evaluate your physical fitness level both on and off the ice.
- Compare your results to an extensive database of over 9000 Hockey players.
- Initiate an Off-Ice Conditioning Program to make you a better all-around player.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Canadian Sports Therapy is a dedicated team that is committed to the advancement of physical performance related to the game of hockey. This professional team consists of experienced Certified Athletic Therapists who specialize in assessment, treatment, education and prevention of all sports related injuries. These key components help build a strong foundation to maximize the athlete's present and future hockey potential. Experience: Canadian Sports Therapy has been in operation since 1996. Our staff have had vast therapeutic and training experience in all levels of sport, with a strong emphasis in hockey. These levels include House League, High School, G.T.H.L., C.I.A.U., Junior A, N.W.H.L., O.H.L. and N.H.L. (Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders).
Owner and Operator: Russell Gunner, B.A., Dip. S.I.M., C.A.T.(C), D.Ac. Russell has been the Director of Operations for Canadian Sports Therapy since its inception in 1996. He is a Certified Athletic Therapist with several years experience in the sports medicine field. His therapy experience included working as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club and has assisted with the fitness testing of the New York Islanders . His hockey knowledge and vast expertise in fitness testing and training of professional athletes, was an integral part in the production of our fitness programs. What is even more stunning is that our program and partnership with certain clubs has influnced the way they are being perceived as professional. For example when there is an injury sports betting bookmakers have given better odds for speedy recovery to the players we have treated. In this bet365 review you can see that they are considering every piece of information before calculating their odds. This means that even a difference of a week or two in the recovery of certain players can have huge difference down the line.
Quotes from Satisfied Coaches:
“Canadian Sports Therapy has been an integral part to our hockey club. From off-ice conditioning programs to pre-game training sessions, they exemplify a level of professionalism unmatched by very few. Their strong commitment to physical and mental pre-paredness has given our club that added advantage needed at this level.” Head Coach - Toronto Red Wings (G.T.H.L.)
"With the help of Canadian Sports Therapy, our hockey club has been able to compete at the highest level, by being better physically and mentally prepared. I was very impressed with the testing, evaluation and individually appointed training programs for our players. Equally impressive is their desire to be involved on an ongoing basis with our team. This is a commitment to excellence.” Head Coach - Toronto Young Nationals (G.T.H.L.). Trainer page for more info.
SPORTS EVENT MEDICAL COVERAGE
This service is currently only available in the Greater Toronto area.What makes a trainer qualified?
Most likely those that call themselves a trainer on your hockey team have only taken a first aid course. A qualified professional trainer is called a 
Certified Athletic Therapist in Canada or a Certified Athletic Trainer in the U.S.. They are required to take a three to four year diploma program from a regulated College or University and after graduation a national written and practical examination must be passed. Examples of Certified Athletic Therapists working in hockey are Chris Broadhurst, from the Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as, myself, who works with various hockey teams in the G.T.A.. If you are concerned about who is watching over your son or daughter, ask the trainer about their qualifications.
Our Services include:
- We only employ professional athletic therapists or sport physiotherapists.
- Minor supplies and equipment are provided (ice, few rolls of tape, etc.). (if further supplies are required, they will be added to the invoice at cost)
- Therapist will arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the game/event for taping, stretching, etc.
- Any injuries that occur during the event will be treated immediately on field/ice by the attending therapist.
- Therapist will remain on location after the event until all injuries have been treated and there exists no further risk of injury to any athlete.
"The Hockey Groin"
Unfortunately, with the sport of hockey and several other contact sports, there is always the chance that an injury will occur. When this does happen, how do you know if you should attend therapy or not.
While practicing Athletic Therapy for several years now, I often see athletes who will wait several weeks before deciding to seek treatment for a particular problem. This can actually progress to more problems in the future.
What happens to a ligament or muscle when it is sprained/strained? When this first occurs, the body will immediately begin an inflammation process, which includes an increase in redness, swelling, pain and heat. The tissue cells around the area may possibly die due to a lack of oxygen from the blood. This death of the cells can cause other digestive cells (phagocytes) to spill over and start killing the healthy tissue. This is why it is extremely important to follow the P.I.E.R. (Pressure, Ice, Elevation and Rest) or R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) principles. If these principles are followed, the chances of significant swelling and pain are decreased dramatically.
Should I get therapy following an injury?
Another problem that occurs if an injury is not treated immediately, is the chance of scar tissue forming over the injury site and impairing movement. This scar tissue will form if an injury is not properly rehabilitated with exercises and the appropriate modalities. Often, after someone has sprained an ankle for example, they will think that the injury will heal itself. This unfortunately does not usually happen. The athlete should understand that the ankle needs to be properly stretched and strengthened. If the athlete does not strengthen the joint, the likelihood of further sprains may occur.
While attending therapy for an injury, the athlete will be questioned regarding the exact nature of the injury. This is extremely important to the therapist, as they can usually determine from the history of the accident, what the exact problem is. Once the assessment is completed and injury is explained to the athlete. The rehabilitation process can begin. Rehab may consist of a varied amount of modalities (therapy machines), hands-on–therapy, stretches, strengthening and usually ice or heat. All these various amounts of rehabilitation tools can significantly reduce the athlete’s pain and return them to their sport much quicker. In closing, it is of my opinion that an athlete should not wait to seek treatment (maximum 2-3 days following injury), and get the best care immediately. This has been proven to significantly reduce the time in pain and return them to their sport much quicker.