As fall sports season begins, student-athletes are excited to hit the field once again. This month, Kathleen Thornton, team leader for Athletic Training, Injury Prevention and Ergonomics within the Occupational Health Department, shares the importance of certified athletic trainers within school sports and the critical layer of support they provide. These healthcare professionals bring a powerful combination of clinical expertise and compassionate care to the field with their knowledge in injury prevention, emergency care, rehabilitation and athlete education.
Proactive Injury Prevention
Athletic trainers fill a unique role in occupational healthcare as they are the first line of defense in preventing sports injuries. They may conduct pre-participation screenings and work with coaches to identify potential risk factors in athletes. Additionally, they implement corrective exercises and rehabilitation programs on an individual or team basis minimizing the risk of injury. Certified athletic trainers also educate coaches and athletes about concussion management, heat illness and hydration, provide team-based prevention methods, and treat athletes when they are injured.
Immediate Care and Injury Management
Despite the best prevention efforts, injuries still occur. Athletic trainers are trained to provide immediate care, for both serious injuries such as concussions and fractures as well as managing sprains and strains. They maintain a calm demeanor under pressure, making critical decisions that prioritize the athlete’s safety. In cases where further evaluation is necessary, they facilitate communication with other healthcare providers, ensuring a seamless transition from on-field care to further medical treatment.
Rehabilitación
Post-injury, athletic trainers provide rehabilitation for athletes for injuries ranging from a simple muscle strain to treatment after ACL surgery through their return to play. This is achieved by using multiple tools to restore range of motion, strength and balance, often returning them to the field better than they were before.
Building Trust and Encouraging Communication
Perhaps one of the most important roles of an athletic trainer is fostering an environment of open communication. Student-athletes often feel pressure to push through pain, but athletic trainers teach them to recognize the difference between discomfort from exertion and symptoms of injury. By building trust, athletic trainers ensure that athletes feel comfortable to partner with their athletic trainer to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
A Vital Partner in Student-Athlete Success
Athletic trainers are more than just responders to injuries; they are advocates for athletes’ health and wellbeing. They are the only healthcare providers that will see the injury from the second it occurs and provide treatment through the entirety of the process. Their proactive approach to injury prevention, rehabilitation, education and communication helps athletes stay healthy and perform at their best. As fall sports unfold, the value of athletic trainers becomes clear, they are the backbone of a safe, healthy and successful sports season.
Whether on the sidelines, in the athletic training room, or offering guidance during practice, athletic trainers are essential members of the healthcare team, ensuring that every student-athlete has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information on the Southcoast Health Sports Medicine Program, visit Southcoast Health Sports Medicine.
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