General Description

The Sports Medicine program at PTSC provides a valuable service to athletes, coaches and physicians. From strengthening and conditioning, to on-site injury care and evaluation, to performing physician-ordered rehabilitation, PTSC Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) are often involved in multiple aspects of an athlete’s overall health.

ATCs benefit coaches by keeping them updated on their players’ conditions during the recovery process, and by helping coaches reduce the number and severity of injuries all together.

ATCs are well trained at recognizing injuries that require medical attention by a physician. ATCs can be very helpful in relaying information about the manner in which an injury occurred, the patient’s initial reaction, and many other factors that can help a physician determine the type and extent of injury, and therefore prescribe a course of treatment.

Conversely, ATCs work together with physical therapists and occupational therapists at PTSC to carry out specific therapy orders from physicians.

 

What Does an ATC Do?

-Conduct individual and team strengthening and conditioning programs.
-Conduct injury prevention programs for schools, businesses, and community organizations.
-Provide sports/activity related injury assessments.
-Specialize in the rehabilitation and prevention of sports related injuries.
-Measure and fit athletes for braces.
-Provide consultation services for coaches on injury evaluation.
-Assist patients coordinate their medical appointments with physicians, specialists and surgeons along with their PTSC appointments.
-Work in collaboration with physical therapists and occupational therapists to maximize treatment results.
-Offer Swim Ex aquatic conditioning (at the West Plains clinic location) along with a variety of cardiovascular exercises performed in the Gym to improve overall fitness and strength.
-To aid healing, ATCs may use equipment such as SwimEx and MedX along with modalities.

 

What are an ATC’s Qualifications?

• Must be certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), which is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA)
• Must complete a Bachelor’s Degree at an accredited college or university
• Must obtain a minimum of 1,200 hours of athletic training experience under the guidance of an ATC
• Must complete a three-part national certification exam consisting of an oral, written and practical exam.

High School Services

The ATC staff at PTSC provides the following types of sports medicine care to athletes at 15 area high schools:
• Attendance at practices and games
• Regular visits to schools for injury assessments
• Sport-specific rehabilitation to allow for quicker return to play
• Communication with athlete’s family physician or specialist
• Available for instruction at training camps
• Evaluate athletic equipment and supplies
• Establish a record keeping system for injuries
• Train and educate student trainers