The Clinic
The Nipissing University Lakers Athletic Therapy Clinic specializes in prevention, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, reconditioning and education of musculoskeletal injuries. The Clinic is located in the Robert J Surtees Athletic Centre in room 120.
Athletic Therapy is provided free of charge for Nipissing University Varsity athletes to receive acute and chronic care for musculoskeletal injuries.
Appointment Booking
Athletes are able to book appointments using our online booking system. New injury appointments should be book with one of our Athletic Therapists. Follow-up treatments can be booked with our Athletic Therapists or Student Training Staff. For booking availability please check our website by clicking the button below.
Hours of Operation
May to July
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4pm
Friday-Sunday: Closed
Note: Summer Hours are subject to change at late notice, please
contact us if you are looking for an appointment.
August to April
Monday-Friday: 10am-8pm*
Saturday-Sunday: Closed**
*Monday-Friday evening clinical hours will vary according to the team practices, please
contact us or visit the clinic during season for specific hours.
**The Clinic will be open for varsity athlete’s pre- and post- game care on selected weekends.
What is Athletic Therapy?
Certified Athletic Therapists provide preventative education, emergency response, initial assessment, treatment and rehabilitation/reconditioning for musculoskeletal (muscle, bone, and joint) injuries. ATs are specialists in taping/support techniques and returning an athlete to play using the sports medicine model.
For more information please see the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association website.
CATA -
https://www.athletictherapy.org
Services
At the Nipissing University Lakers Athletic Therapy Clinic varsity and club athletes can be treated through a wide variety of therapeutic techniques. This could involve a combination of the following:
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
- Laser
- Myofascial cupping
- Manual therapy
- Heat and cold therapy
- Exercise prescription
- Taping/bracing
Athletic Therapy takes an active approach to rehabilitation of any musculoskeletal injuries including:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Chronic pain
- Overuse injuries
- Pre- and post-surgery
- Post-fracture/dislocation
- Motor vehicle accident rehabilitation
Athletic Therapists also have an extensive knowledge on recognizing concussions and facilitating a return to sport and school plan for concussed athletes. Nipissing University Lakers Concussion Protocol begins with baseline ImPACT testing completed online by each athlete prior to the athletes’ sport season.
Our Concussion Protocol partners with Student Accessibility Services to return our student athletes back to sport and school using a gradual plan that is unique to the concussion and to the athlete.
Athletes should contact the clinic to make an appointment for injury assessment and treatment. Walk-ins are welcome, however our clinic can become very busy during season and if you would like to ensure you are seen then an appointment is the way to go.
Lakers Varsity Athletes will have access to our volunteer varsity Physician for athletic injuries only; this is scheduled by appointment only through the Lakers Athletic Therapy Clinic staff.
Concussion Protocol
Nipissing University Athletics implements baseline testing using ImPACT for all varsity athletes at the beginning of each season. We partner with Student Accessibility Services to return our student athletes back to school, and work closely with a physician to return them back to sport. All varsity athletes suffering from concussion must complete the return to school and sport protocol with the Athletic Therapy Clinic.
To download a PDF of our Concussion Protocol click
here.
Staff
Chris Farrugia – Certified Athletic Therapist BAHSc (Athletic Therapy), CAT(c)
Chris started his educational journey with a diploma in Construction Engineering Technician at George Brown College. Growing up working in various trades from carpentry to concrete, Chris was always been fascinated with the mechanics of anything he came across, aiming to discover how they combined to work together harmoniously.
His love for sports led him to Athletic therapy where he received a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Athletic Therapy) from Sheridan College in 2014. During this time, he was fortunate to have worked with some very talented Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and it was here that he found his calling.
He is currently studying at the Canadian College of Osteopathy, Canada’s premier 5-year Osteopathic program that dives into the extensive study of the biomechanics of the human body as a whole and not just the sum of its parts.
If you are interested in becoming a Student Trainer please see Chris in the clinic for more information, or contact her by phone (705-474-3450 ext 4764) or email (
chrisf@nipissingu.ca).
The student trainer of the year is recognized for their dedication and commitment to the Lakers Athletic Therapy clinic. The student embodies the hard work and commitment both academically and practically in the field while working alongside one of our varsity teams.
Past Winners
2014-15 - Heather Donovan (Women's Basketball)
2015-16 Erika Lee (Women’s Hockey)
2016-17 - Benjamin Hankins (Men's Basketball) and Grainger Munro (Men's Volleyball)
2017-18 - Vic Willars (Cross Country)
2018-19 - Lee Rockburne (Men's Basketball)
2019-20 - Emily Price (Women's Volleyball) and Nicholas Koetje (Men's Volleyball)
2020-21 - Season cancelled due to Covid-19
2021-22 - Shelby Moodie (Hockey) and Nick Hoey (Men's Volleyball)
2022-23 - Iivis Tonnis
2023-24 - Lauren MacFarlane
2024-25 -
Contact
Athletic Therapist - Chris Farrugia -
chrisf@nipissingu.ca
Room AC120, 100 College Drive
North Bay, ON P1B 8L7
Phone: 705-474-3450 ext. 4764
Fax: 705-474-6323
