ATHLETIC TRAINERS FRONT-LINE HEROES OF THE SPORTS MEDICINE WORLD

You may have seen them on the sidelines at sporting events, many times they are the first medical professionals on the scene after an injury,  which is why we refer to them as front-line heroes.  Athletic Trainers play a crucial role in the world of sports and sports medicine, but also one that is known for being misunderstood.  Athletic Trainers are NOT to be confused with fitness trainers by any means.  So now that the air and confusion have been cleared up and in honor of National Athletic Trainers Month we are on a mission.  The mission is simple: To help people understand what a big deal athletic trainers are, on and off the field, by providing some information about what it is exactly that they do! Because it’s awesome, so here goes……

What exactly is a certified athletic trainer (ATC)?

The definition of athletic training, according to the Strategic Implementation Team of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA): "Athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and quality of life for patients both of the physically active and sedentary population. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities."

An athletic trainer is a highly qualified healthcare professional who:

·      Meets the qualifications set by a state Board of Certification, Inc. or state licensure

·      Must have a bachelor’s degree (Many hold one or multiple MA and Doctorate degrees).

·      To earn the ATC credential, passing a comprehensive exam is required

·      Are held to the standards of professional practice

·      Must participate in continuation education

·      Works in schools, universities, pro sports, the military, business, and/or industry

In schools and sports athletic trainers:

·      Recognize and examine injuries

·      Provide first aid and emergency care when needed

·      Document and report on injuries

·      Coordinate care with physicians and health care professionals

·      Develop and implement injury and illness prevention programs

·      Promote wellness education

·      Design treatment and rehabilitation programs

·      Apply necessary protective and preventative materials or devices

·      Help to support the mental health of athletes as well as help manage chronic conditions

·      And much, much more

At Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, Sports Medicine Podiatry Center, our team of highly qualified athletic trainers performs many important functions including evaluating injuries, performing biomechanics/gait analysis, monitoring clients during treatments, reviewing at-home exercises with patients, helping to prepare and process paperwork for physicians and insurance companies and are instrumental in helping to mold and fit our patients with their “Secret Weapon” custom orthotic insoles. Beyond that, our ATC’s wear another very important hat when it comes to providing superior care to our patients, they personally ensure that our patients continue to feel motivated, secure, and confident, by providing personalized patient care to each patient throughout the entire treatment and rehabilitation process. They do all of this amazingly well and so much more every day. Thank you to our all-star team of Athletic Trainers Mc, Scott, Tim, and Shawn for all of your hard work and dedication.  We appreciate you!

We hope that we shed some light on the subject of what athletic trainer does and how vitally important they are in their roles as front-line medical professionals whether it be on the field, in schools, or in businesses and healthcare practices like ours.

Thank you to all of the ATC’s out there especially those whom we consider friends and family, hats off to you.  We are singing your praises and wish you a very Happy National Athletic Trainers Month. Thank you for all that you do.

Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, Sports Medicine Podiatry Center provides specialized injury and prevention treatment of the lower body extremities, biomechanical performance enhancement, and general podiatric foot and ankle medical treatment solutions for individuals and their families serving South Jersey and Philadelphia and surrounding areas with offices conveniently located in Cherry Hill, N.J. and Ridley Park, PA.