The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline-pumping action, and the thrill of victory – these are the iconic images associated with sports. Yet, behind the scenes of every athletic competition lies a critical role often overlooked: the athletic trainer. In the realm of sports medicine, the past two decades have witnessed a remarkable evolution of this vital profession.
But how did it all begin? The answer requires us to journey back to the late 90s, a time when the role of the athletic trainer was far less defined and respected.
In 1999, athletic trainers were primarily seen as “tape and brace” specialists, their expertise was strictly limited to the sidelines of sporting events. Their responsibilities primarily revolved around injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. This meant providing immediate care for on-field injuries, administering first aid, and developing basic rehabilitation plans.
For instance, a common scenario would involve an athletic trainer rushing onto the field to treat a sprained ankle, applying ice and compression, and providing support with tape or a brace. While this was essential care, it represented only a fraction of the comprehensive services athletic trainers offer today.
But these late 90’s educational requirements for athletic trainers were inconsistent and often lacked standardization. While some individuals held degrees in athletic training or related fields, such as kinesiology or physical education, certification was not universally required.
This lack of formal education and certification created a patchwork of qualifications, making it challenging to ensure consistent quality of care across different athletic settings. Many athletic trainers gained their knowledge and skills through on-the-job training and experience rather than formal academic programs.
Despite these limitations, the athletic trainers of the late 90’s were pioneers, dedicating themselves to athlete well-being, which would eventually become the catalyst for the profession’s growth and expansion.
Advancements in Injury Prevention and Treatment
Gone are the days of relying solely on tape, ice, and rest. Today, athletic trainers are at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge devices/equipment, techniques and technologies to optimize athlete performance and expedite recovery.
A cornerstone of modern athletic training is the emphasis on injury prevention. Strength and conditioning programs, once considered optional, are now integral components of athlete development. In addition, more modern practices of band resistance training as well as static movements are becoming more prevalent. Athletic trainers collaborate with coaches and strength and conditioning specialists to design tailored programs that address specific sport demands and reduce the risk of common injuries.
These modalities, when combined with traditional methods like ice, heat, and manual therapy, provide comprehensive care for injured athletes. Ice and heat have advanced to sauna’s and cold plunges.
Beyond “RICE” Treatment
The realm of injury prevention and treatment has witnessed remarkable advancements. While traditional methods like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) remain foundational, a plethora of innovative therapies have emerged to accelerate healing and optimize recovery.
Non-invasive therapies such as ultrasound, compression, electrical stimulation, and laser therapy have also become commonplace.
Regenerative Medicine
This cutting-edge field holds immense promise for treating complex injuries. Techniques such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections harness the body’s natural healing capabilities to repair damaged tissues.
These therapies have shown promising results in treating conditions like tendonitis, ligament sprains, and cartilage injuries.
Advanced Therapies
A variety of non-invasive therapies have gained popularity for their effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation.
These include shockwave therapy, which utilizes high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue repair, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), which is often used for chronic tendinopathies.
Orthobiologics
Derived from biological sources, orthobiologics offer a natural approach to healing. Consider products such as hyaluronic acid and collagen supplements, which can help restore joint lubrication and cartilage health.
Today’s Emerging Tech and Its Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment
Technology has also played a pivotal role in how athletic trainers accurately assess, diagnose and treat injuries.
Imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans offer unparalleled insights into the extent of injuries, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Wearable devices, including smartwatches and GPS trackers, expand way beyond trendy fashion statements, and provide valuable data on athlete performance, sleep, nutrition and biomechanics – depending on the timepiece you pick up.
They can detect early signs of overuse injuries by monitoring changes in movement patterns, workload, or heart rate variability. This data allows athletic trainers to intervene promptly with preventive measures, such as modifying training schedules or incorporating specific exercises.
The integration of telemedicine has also significantly expanded access to care, allowing athletic trainers to remotely assess and treat injuries. This is particularly beneficial for athletes in remote locations or with limited access to healthcare.
Athletic Trainers 2.0
The role of the “athletic trainer” has evolved dramatically since the late 90’s, expanding beyond the traditional sidelines of sports. Today, athletic trainers are recognized as integral members of the healthcare team, contributing to the overall well-being of athletes and individuals of all ages.
One of the most significant expansions in the athletic trainer’s role has been in the realm of concussion management and prevention. Athletic trainers are at the forefront of educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the risks of concussions, implementing baseline testing, and coordinating care for injured athletes. They play a crucial role in determining when an athlete is safe to return to play, ensuring their long-term health and well-being.
From clinics and hospitals to occupational health centers, we’re starting to see an increase in how often athletic trainers are integrated into healthcare settings. This expanded scope of practice allows them to provide comprehensive care for a wider range of patients, including those with musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and other conditions.
COVID-19
Undeniably, the COVID-19 pandemic also presented unprecedented challenges for athletic trainers. Consequently, they played a crucial role in developing and implementing return-to-play protocols, ensuring the safety of athletes while navigating a rapidly evolving situation. Therefore, trainers had no choice but to adapt to telehealth services, providing remote care and support to athletes.
It’s for these reasons in which athletic trainers collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to co-develop and implement effective treatment plans.
Indeed, these integrations of athletic trainers into healthcare settings has also led to increased opportunities for research and education in helping to advance the field of sports medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Education and Certification
In the past, educational pathways for athletic trainers were less standardized. However, the establishment of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) marked a turning point.
CAATE accreditation ensures that athletic training programs meet rigorous academic and clinical standards, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality care. The requirement for a master’s degree as the entry-level for athletic training has further elevated the profession.
As a result, this increased preparation now equips athletic trainers with advanced knowledge and skills to address the complex healthcare needs of athletes.
Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) is a testament to an athletic trainer’s competence and commitment to professional excellence. Passing the BOC exam demonstrates a mastery of the core competencies required for practice.
At MAQ Training, all of our staff are equipped with yearly continuing education, of which is another critical component of professional development.
Athletic trainers must stay updated on the latest research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends to maintain their certification and provide optimal care.
