Nearly all Canadians support including athletic therapy and other injury treatments in employer health plans, according to a new Ipsos survey commissioned by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.
The poll found 96% of respondents agree employer health plans should cover a range of injury treatments so employees can access the care that works best for them. Support was strongest among Canadians aged 55 and older, at 99%.
Economic impact drives support
The survey revealed 91% of Canadians agree that helping people recover faster from injuries has major implications for the country’s economy, given that injuries cost Canada nearly $30 billion annually.
Mélanie Levac, executive director of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, said injuries affecting nearly 15 million Canadians create significant economic strain. “Athletic therapy is about helping people recover faster so they can get back to fully functional at work, at home and at play,” Levac said.
Talent retention benefits cited
The poll found 94% of Canadians believe covering a range of treatments in employer benefit plans helps employers attract and retain talent.
Just over four in 10 Canadians, or 44%, reported they have been injured in a way that prevented them from being fully functional at work, at home or at play.
Tax credit support
More than nine in 10 respondents, or 92%, agreed people should be able to claim proven therapies for injuries on their income tax. Support was highest among older Canadians, at 95% for those aged 55 and older.
Awareness and acceptance of athletic therapy
Unprompted awareness of athletic therapy sits at 48%, behind physical therapy at 90% and occupational therapy at 77%. Once informed that athletic therapy treats patients using manual therapies, exercise prescription, modalities, bracing and taping, support increased significantly.
The survey found 91% agree athletic therapists can reduce strain on doctors and hospitals by providing specialized recovery care, while 90% said athletic therapy helps people recover faster, reducing time off work and economic impacts.
An additional 89% said athletic therapy should be added to employer health insurance plans, and the same percentage agreed people should be able to obtain a medical expense tax credit for athletic therapy. Among respondents, 86% said they would like access to athletic therapy if they were injured.
The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association is advocating for inclusion of athletic therapy in employer benefit plans and for certified athletic therapists to be added to the Canada Revenue Agency’s schedule of authorized medical practitioners for medical expense tax credit purposes.
