Introduction to Sports Medicine

Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are unique health care providers who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the physically active.

History Sports Medicine and Athletic Training date back to ancient Rome The first “athletic trainers” were actually physicians working with gladiators The most famous was Herodicus of Megara Roman Empire fell and interest in athletics declined Early 1920’s Cramer family started a chemical company and began producing products to treat ankle sprains

Late 1930’s NATA was established, but ended with WWII Between 1947-1950 trainers organized themselves into regional conferences – would later become districts Many early athletic trainers were team managers who taped ankles Most were self taught and are responsible for a lot of techniques 1950 – NATA was officially formed 1991 AMA (American Medical Association) recognized athletic training as an allied health profession

What is the ‘NATA’ National Athletic Trainers’ Association Professional Association for Athletic Trainers 44,000+ Members 18% of ATCs are employed in High Schools 4500+ College Students in Professional Education Programs Involved in Development of Profession’s Accredited Education Programs Based in Dallas, Texas

Athletic Training Domains ATCs are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in 5 domains: Prevention Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis Immediate & Emergency Care Treatment & Rehabilitation Organization & Professional Health and Well Being

8 Content Areas – Athletic Training Curriculum/Competencies Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) EBP Practioners incorporate the best available evidence, their clinical skills, and the needs of the patient to maximize patient outcomes. Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) Develop and implement strategies to prevent incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses and optimize overall health and quality of life Importance of nutrition and physical activity

Cont. Curriculum Clinical Examination and Diagnosis (CE) ATCs must possess strong clinical examination skills in order to accurately diagnosis and effectively treat athletes Development of these skills requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses (AC) ATCs must be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute injuries and illnesses

Cont. Curriculum Therapeutic Interventions (TI) Broad range of interventions, methods, techniques, equipment, activities using body movement and medications Design to enhance function by identifying, remediating, and preventing impairments and functional limitations to maximize participation Rehabilitation is used in a variety of settings. Psychosocial Strategies and Referral (PS) ATCs must be able to recognize abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors

Cont. Curriculum Healthcare Administration (HA) The ability to intervene and refer Optimize the connection between mental health and restoration of participation Healthcare Administration (HA) ATCs must have an understanding of risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management

Cont. Curriculum Professional Development and Responsibility (PD) ATCs maintain current competence in the constant changing of the world of healthcare Practice in the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgement Work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and refer when warranted

Certification Requirements BS or Masters in Athletic Training through a curriculum approved by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Successful completion of the NATA Board of Certification exam Continuing Education Required to Maintain Certification Licensed in majority of states

State Regulation Athletic Training Profession is Regulated in Many States in an Effort to Protect the Public http://www.bocatc.org/state-regulation/map

Employment Settings for ATCs Secondary schools School districts Colleges & universities Professional sports Sports medicine clinics Corporate and Industrial settings Military

Athletic Training Student Aide ATSA – An “AIDE” vs “Student Athletic Trainer” Must Work Under the Direction of an ATC Opportunity to Become Involved in High School Activities Gateway to Career Opportunities

Sports Medicine A field that uses a holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach to health care for those engaged in sports Encompasses many specialized areas Athletic Training is just one of those

Activity: On a sheet of paper, without discussing it with anyone, list 5 different areas that might be considered “sports medicine” (You can not use Athletic Training)

Sports Medicine Team Must work cooperatively Consists of two parts Central team Peripheral team

The Central Team The athlete The athlete’s parent or guardian The Team physician Certified Athletic Trainer Coach

The Peripheral Team Primary care physician Student assistant Pediatrician Cardiologist Dentist Sports Psychologist Etc.

Roles of the Coach 1st responder Should know basic conditioning procedures Maintenance and fitting of protective equipment Taping and wrapping techniques 1st aid CPR/AED Recognize injuries Teach proper techniques for activity

Personal Qualities of an Athletic Trainer Stamina and ability to adapt Not 9-5 Extremely demanding Burnout – exhaustion, don’t enjoy work Empathy Enter into feeling/spirit of another person – ability to sense distress Sense of humor Humor and wit help with relieving tension Provide a relaxing atmosphere Intellectual curiosity Why???? Ethics Conduct and integrity 1993 NATA established the Code of Ethics 5 principles

NATA Code Of Ethics Members shall respect the rights, welfare, and dignity of all individuals Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of athletic training Members shall maintain and promote high standards in the provision of services Members shall not engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession

Video http://vimeo.com/nata1950 http://vimeo.com/47253002 Day in the life: warrior athletic training program http://vimeo.com/47253002 Day in the life: Cirque du Soleil https://vimeo.com/41494168 Day in the life: Professional Bull Riding