Sports Medicine Team & Athlete Relationship

Sports Medicine Umbrella

• Sports medicine includes athletic training, biomechanics, medical practice, orthopedics, physician assistants, dentists, ophthalmologists, physical therapy, exercise physiology, neurologists, sport nutritionists, sport psychologists, massage therapists, and certified strength and conditioning specialists.

Relationship Between the Sports Medicine Team and Athlete

• The primary concern of the sports medicine team should be the athlete.
• The team physician collaborates closely with the athletic trainer, physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and the coach to develop a plan for the injured athlete.
• Communication is essential for creating a safe environment for the athlete.
• Athletes need open communication with everyone involved in their injury journey to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

• CPR/AED certification is required.
• Certifications include Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
• Strength and conditioning coaches design athlete-specific workouts to prevent injuries and enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, and power in various settings.
• They teach proper form, provide nutritional guidance, and track performance.
• They work closely with sports medicine staff to provide complete care.

Purpose of Personal Trainers

• Personal Trainers design exercise programs based on client needs and wants
• They work with a general population for a service fee.
• Certifications can include: American College of Sports Medicine or National Academy of Sports Medicine.
• There are no set standard qualifications to be a personal trainer, company specific.

Recreational Therapists

• They work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
• They treat individuals with specific health conditions.
• They work with physicians, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, etc.
• They provide interventions to prevent medical problems and complications related to illnesses and disabilities.

Role of Athletic Administrator

• They are responsible for hiring within sports medicine teams.
• They create policies and procedures, EAPs, risk management plans, and budgets.
• They oversee the entire athletic department and programs to ensure preparedness for the upcoming season.

Role of Coaches

• They develop athletes' skills and abilities for performance.
• They create practice plans and game-time decisions.
• They must collaborate with medical staff to create a safe environment for all athletes.
• They make sure equipment is fitted properly and teach proper mechanics to prevent injury.
• Must be AFD/CPR certified

About Athletic Trainers

• Athletic trainers are health care professionals specializing in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries and medical conditions.
• Athletic Trainers can be employed in professional, collegiate, and secondary school settings, as well as clinics, performing arts, military, and factories.
• BOC certification and state licensure are required.
• Athletic Trainer must work under the direction and guidance of a physician, based on training, laws, statues, and regulations.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer

• Their primary role is prevention.
• They provide immediate care.
• They are responsible for examination, assessment, and diagnosis.
• Athletic Trainers can provide proper therapeutic intervention
• They will discontinue a program if needed
• They will have some form of organization and administratiion

Prevention Strategies

• It is important to complete preparticipation examinations
• They ensure appropriate conditions and equipment fits properly.
• They are responsible for proper training and conditioning
• They are responsible for emphasizing proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
• They must foster mental, physical, and emotional well-being
• Avoid substance abuse

Providing Immediate Care

• They are responsible for on-the-field assessments
• Athletic Trainers serve as the first line of defense
• They administer AED/CPR when needed
• They will provide initial recognition and evaluation of serious or life-threatening injuries
• They will provide spine boarding
• They will provide splinting

Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis

• It is important to consider the pathology and severity of an injury.
• Perform special tests and triage of injuries
• Assess multiple factors that play a role in the injury
• It is important to perform manual muscle, range of motion, and consider the athletes' history to determine diagnosis of injury
• Create proper plan and next steps

Therapeutic Intervention

• An Athletic trainer will design, Implement, and oversee rehabilitation programs specific to injury and athlete
• They use Modalities and treatment tools that will supplement the healing process and encourage proper reconditioning
• They liaise with physical therapists and strength and conditioning coaches

Team Physicians

• They oversee entire athletic programs to ensure health and wellness.
• They lead pre-participation physicals and determine clearance for each athlete.
• Team Physicians will be final say in clearance of an injured athlete

Additional Members of the Sports Medicine Team

• The sports medicine team can include a Nurse/Nurse Practitioner, Orthopedist, Dermatologist, Gynecologist, Family Medicine Physicians, Internist, Neurologist, Ophthalmologist, Osteopath, Nutritionist, or Massage Therapist.
• Some of the team are available as needed: Dentist, Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Podiatrist, Physician Assistants, Sports Psychologists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Orthotists, Exercise Physiologists, and Equipment Personnel.

Explore the roles within a sports medicine team, including athletic trainers, physicians, and strength and conditioning coaches. Learn about their collaborative relationships and the importance of communication for athlete safety and goal achievement. CPR/AED certification requirements are highlighted.