Sports Medicine

Unit One

What is Sports Medicine

• Sports medicine refers to a broad field of medical practices related to physical activity and sport– Defined by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

as multidisciplinary – Includes physiological, biomechanical, psychological and

pathological phenomena associated with exercise and sport

• Sports medicines generally focuses on areas of performance enhancement, injury care and prevention

Athletic Healthcare in Organized vs. Recreational Sports Activities• Delivery of healthcare is dependent on whether

the event is organized or recreational• Organized activity– Generally competitive– Involves teams, leagues (secondary schools, collegiate

and professional teams)– Players of the sports medicine team (coach, athletic

trainer, physician) are employed on full- or part-time– College setting may also have nutritionist, sports

psychologist, strength & conditioning coach, massage therapist

• Recreational activity– Can be competitive but often times is done more for leisure

and is much less formal– City and community-based recreational leagues and teams– Often include fitness-oriented events– Sometimes recreational athlete will hire a personal fitness

trainer– If injury occurs they are more likely to consult with a family

physician, sports chiropractor or a sports physical therapist• Typically, care provided on a fee

The Role of the Athletic Administrator in the Sports

Medicine Team• Has a significant impact on the sports

medicine team• Responsible for hiring personnel (i.e. coaches,

ATCs, strength coaches, nutritionists, team physician)– Must be sure that all individuals have the

necessary credentials and are willing to work as a team

Role of the Coach in the Sports Medicine Team

• Coach must be aware of the responsibilities of each individual associated with the team– If there is no athletic trainer, this becomes even more

critical• Coach must understand limits of their ability to function as

a health care provider in the state in which they are employed

• All coaches should be certified in CPR1,2,3 and in basic First Aid1,2 (Red Cross1, National Safety Council2 or American Heart Association3)

• Construct injury prevention conditioning programs

• Must provide high quality and properly fit protective equipment

• Apply proper first aid if necessary

• Be CPR and First Aid certified

• Possess appropriate coaching licenses and certifications

• Have understanding of skill techniques and environmental factors associated with sport

• Continuing education• Function as a coach

Roles and Responsibilities of the Athletic Trainer

• Work with athletes from time of injury to resolution• Directly responsible for all phases of health care in an

athletic environment• May be employed in a variety of settings– Colleges/Universities/Secondary schools– Sports medicine clinics / Corporate settings– Amateur/Professional athletics– Military/NASA– Equipments sales/marketing

• Must have extensive background in formal academic preparation and supervised practical experience

• Guidelines are set Board of Certification– Both in academic coursework and clinical experience

• Upon meeting the educational guidelines applicants are eligible to sit for the examination

• Upon passing the certification examination = BOC certification as an athletic trainer– Credential of ATC

• Injury prevention– Ensure appropriate

training, monitor environment, nutrition, maintain & fitting equipment, appropriate use of medication

• Recognition, evaluation, assessment of injuries

• Immediate care of injuries and illnesses – (Minimum of CPR and

First Aid)

• Treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning – Knowledge of equipment,

manual therapy, therapeutic modalities

• Organization & administration – Budgeting, inventory, injury

records, supervision of assistants and students, dealing with insurance matters

• Professional responsibility– Educating the public

through seminars, research & providing good care

Responsibilities of the Team Physician

• Athletic trainer works under direct supervision of physician

• Physician assumes a number of roles– Serves to advise and supervise ATC

• Physician and ATC must be able to work together

Relationship Between the Sports Medicine Team and

Athlete• Primary concern should be that of the athlete– All individuals must work cooperatively in the best

interest of the athlete– Coach should differ to the medical staff and

support decisions regarding athlete health care

• Close communication between all parties involved is critical

• All parties must work to develop solid working relationship

• Each member will have to gain trust and confidence in the skills and abilities of each other

• Imperative that the athlete is kept well-informed– Coach and ATC must make a point of educating the

student-athlete