BLOGS
One of the most important jobs an Athletic Trainer has is the rehabilitation of injuries. A common upper extremity injury, especially in overhead throwing sports is a UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) tear. Normally, the UCL is repaired by undergoing "Tommy John" surgery. Although this surgery has proven to be very reliable, the time table for rehabilitation and eventually return to play is at least 12 months. Doctors have been looking for ways to improve this technique and lower rehab time. The new technique named "Primary Repair" has yet to fail with over 50 athletes agreeing to try it. Seth Maness was one of those people, becoming the first established MLB player to undergo the surgery. This new technique, if successful, could save athletic trainers a lot of time and get the athletes back to functional activity in almost half the time. The average recovery time for the repair is 6 months shorter than the original technique. I believe it is important that research is continually done in order to provide these athletes with the best options and the best care. New techniques like these will make an Athletic Trainers job much easier.
By Derrick Goold St. Louis Post-Dispatch
August 29, 2016 by Beth Sitzler
Concussions are one of the most common injuries in sport today. This article goes in depth into how important proper communication and documentation is when dealing with concussive incidents. It also gives tips in order to ensure the athletes safety and concussion management success while protecting the athletic trainers and school from liability. It is important for athletic trainers to become proficient in concussion management, in order to avoid long-term effects of the injury.
The first step in this process is the initial concussion evaluation. The most common tool for assessment is the SCAT3. It is important to document the mechanism, signs and symptoms, level of consciousness, and neurological findings. You should also document instructions given to athlete, doctor recommendations, return to play guideline and any other notes.
The second step is communication and documentation. It is important to notify everyone who may be involved in the athletes care post injury. These people include the parents, coaches and doctors. It is very important that these individuals understand the severity of head traumas and reiterate to the athlete that they are not to return to the field until a doctor clears them. It is also important to notify teachers in the event that the concussion would affect their schoolwork. Document and make a handout outlining home care instructions, return to play protocol and the confirmation of the athlete being symptom free.
This article can be a great tool for athletic trainers to use during concussion management. It highlights how many people are involved each time a concussion occurs and how to keep the athlete safe from secondary injuries.
Why Certified Athletic Trainers Are Important
March 21, 2016 by Adam Elberg
The article begins with a quote from the football coach of a local high school that does not have a certified athletic trainer on staff. The coach said in the interview with the local newspaper that in his 13 years of coaching, he has yet to see one of his kids suffer a concussion. The question is have none of these kids ever suffered a concussion or was no one there who could recognize the signs and symptoms?
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The article also shares some staggering numbers that show how important and valuable an athletic trainer is. Every year in the US, 46.5 million children are participating in team sports. Every 25 seconds, one of them visits the hospital for a sport-related injury.
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Hiring a certified athletic trainer can help decrease the number of injuries that occur. Beyond injury prevention and care, ATC's are highly educated and nationally certified with a background in conditioning and nutritional counseling. They also have knowledge in enhancing the psychological and physical well being of these athletes.
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It was in 1998 that the AMA (American Medical Association) recommended that athletic trainers be available at all schools. Having a certified athletic trainer on the side lines puts the care and well being of these athletes into the hands of a medical professional, not just their coaches. ATC's are not only AED and CPR certified, they also know how to recognize and treat any athlete suffering from asthma, catastrophic brain injury, spine injuries, diabetes, exertional heat stroke, hyponatremia, sickling, lightning and sudden cardiac arrest. Athletic trainers have the ability to prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones.
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In my opinion this is a no-brainer. Athletes should be able to participate in sport without having to worry about getting hurt and having to go to the hospital. Having an ATC on the sideline would give everyone, including parents, peace of mind while watching their children play.