What is an Athletic trainer?
According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), athletic trainers (AT) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical examination and diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic Trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree program, pass a comprehensive board examination, maintain a state healthcare license, and keep knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as prescribed by state licensure statutes, and provide services to a variety of active populations, not just athletes.
Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers, due in part, to the overuse of the abbreviation, “trainer”. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skill set, job duties, regulations, and clientele between an athletic trainer and personal trainer. Out of respect for each profession, it is asked that you use the full title, or “AT” for abbreviation.
Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers, due in part, to the overuse of the abbreviation, “trainer”. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skill set, job duties, regulations, and clientele between an athletic trainer and personal trainer. Out of respect for each profession, it is asked that you use the full title, or “AT” for abbreviation.
When to see the athletic trainer
Injuries do and will occur in sports. Statistics reveal that 90% of student-athletes report having sustained at least one sports-related injury during their career. In the event that an injury does occur, your athletic trainer is there to help evaluate, diagnose, and treat your injury. Your AT can also help refer you for advanced care if needed. Early communication is critical to expediting your recovery process.
What if I have to go to the doctor?
If it is determined that a visit to the doctor is necessary, the athletic trainer will contact a parent/guardian to discuss reasoning and options. Because of your athletic trainer’s close working relationship with area providers, you may benefit from faster access to orthopedists, physical therapists, or other specialists (often within 24-48 hours). Your athletic trainer will discuss the expedited scheduling process when necessary.
If you choose to visit a physician or other health care professional before seeing the athletic trainer, please communicate this with your athletic trainer. This allows the athletic trainer to collaborate with your provider to provide the best care for a safe recovery and return to sport.
Please note: if you see a physician for any reason other than preventative care, you MUST provide the athletic trainer with a note from the physician describing the nature of the visit, and if any restrictions/limitations are required. This is a school policy, if no note is received, the student-athlete will not be allowed to return to sport until a note is obtained.
If you choose to visit a physician or other health care professional before seeing the athletic trainer, please communicate this with your athletic trainer. This allows the athletic trainer to collaborate with your provider to provide the best care for a safe recovery and return to sport.
Please note: if you see a physician for any reason other than preventative care, you MUST provide the athletic trainer with a note from the physician describing the nature of the visit, and if any restrictions/limitations are required. This is a school policy, if no note is received, the student-athlete will not be allowed to return to sport until a note is obtained.
What if the injury occurs when the athletic trainer cannot be reached?
If the injury was sustained at an away or off-site event or practice, please have your son or daughter see the AT the following school day. Follow the RICE guidelines until your student-athlete can be seen.
REST the injured body part with minimal activity
ICE for 20 minutes an hour for pain and swelling
COMPRESS and support the area with an ace wrap or bandage
ELEVATE the injury above the heart level to reduce swelling
Ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
**Remember: applying heat to an injury less than 3 days old can exacerbate the injury and increase healing time**
REST the injured body part with minimal activity
ICE for 20 minutes an hour for pain and swelling
COMPRESS and support the area with an ace wrap or bandage
ELEVATE the injury above the heart level to reduce swelling
Ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
**Remember: applying heat to an injury less than 3 days old can exacerbate the injury and increase healing time**