The Use of an Athletic Trainer in Physical Therapy

Athletic trainers can aid in physical therapy.

Physical therapy is the use of exercise to help an individual recover from an injury. Athletes are prone to special injuries and require special treatment to recover their athletic ability. Athletic trainers are used in physical therapy to help athletes recover.

Status as Health Care Workers

The American Medical Association recognizes athletic trainers as allied health professionals. Unlike fitness trainers, who only help people achieve fitness, athletic trainers must perform extensive health evaluations of their patients and their injuries. Their advance knowledge allows them to create a recovery program that suits the patient's individual needs.

Hospital and Clinic Settings

Athletic trainers are used by physicians in athletic and non-athletic clinic settings. Hospitals, doctor's offices and clinics use athletic trainers as part of the team of experts that helps prescribe physical therapy treatment for injured people. Injuries can be athletic, occupational or accidental.

Athletic Settings

Athletic trainers working with sports teams can find themselves providing physical therapy training and preventive medicine for athletes on the prep, college or professional level. This could mean working with athletes in exercise programs or applying braces, tape or other protection during games and practices.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Athletic Trainers
• National Association of Athletic Trainers: Hospital and Clinical Setting