Any athlete will tell you that sports can be dangerous—it's part of what makes them exciting. It doesn't matter if it's hockey, track and field, or tennis. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a professional or just a weekend athlete. To perform at their best, athletes need to deal with injuries effectively so they can get back in the game as soon as possible. Athletic therapists are the people who help them do this.
Therapists are involved in four aspects of athletes' health. First, they teach athletes how to prevent injuries by using thorough warm-up techniques and stretching exercises. They also teach them how to use the proper equipment to avoid injury.
Second, if an athlete does get injured, the athletic therapist assesses the injury. This assessment would include how severe the injury is and how it should be treated. The therapist must decide whether the injury requires referral to a doctor or if he or she can treat it without referral.
Third, after the athletic therapist assesses the injury, the actual treatment is started. For example, if a basketball player sprains an ankle, the athletic therapist may put a tensor bandage on it and advise taking a few weeks off. However, if a player requires surgery for a torn ligament in the knee, the therapist would refer him or her to a doctor. In addition, athletic therapists help with the rehabilitation process. This could mean coming up with an exercise and stretching routine for the player after knee surgery.
Fourth, therapists help athletes who have suffered injuries to prevent the problem from returning. They provide tensor bandages, braces, or other equipment, and teach the athlete any special exercises that can help maintain or increase strength and flexibility.
Athletic therapists aren't just involved with athletes who have injured themselves. They also help improve the physical health of athletes who are already in top form. This often includes designing a training program geared specifically to the needs of one athlete.
Athletic therapists also report to coaches and physicians on the state of athletes' health and injuries.
NOC Code: 3144