July 2008

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Protecting the Athlete

by Ron Bucholtz, MA, PT, OCS

Ron Bucholtz, MA, PT, OCS, and Adrian Moses, MPT, of MRPT

During the summer of 2007 the Parkersburg South High School Athletic Department asked Mountain River Physical Therapy (MRPT) to become involved with their athletic programs and provide services for the evaluation, treatment and prevention of on field injuries for their athletes. Subsequently, Adrian Moses, MPT, and Ron Bucholtz, MA, PT, OCS, went through necessary credentialing with the Wood County Board of Education and obtained the status of “trainers in a limited role” for Parkersburg South High School (PSHS). Since that time MRPT has been providing coverage for all football practices and games, boys’ and girls’ home soccer games and is currently providing assistance for all home wrestling matches and boys’ and girls’ basketball games.

Unfortunately, with athletic competition, injuries do occur. These injuries may involve a simple bruise or laceration to significant problems such as muscle strains, ligament sprains or tears, fractures, deep cuts and even more severe concussions and spinal cord injury. Therefore, the primary role of the “trainer” is to provide knowledgeable on site assessment of injuries in addition to subsequent treatment and proper recommendation for return to competition, need for follow up treatment or even referral to physician or emergency room for immediate attention of more serious problems.

Often, due to unnecessary pressure from the school, community, coaches, etc., for a team to be successful and win an athlete will attempt or be asked to return to competition before he or she is functionally ready. This early return to athletics may lead to additional, and even permanent, injury. Although sometimes viewed as unpopular, the decision to hold an athlete from practice and/or competition is another vital role of the “trainer.” This is paramount in protecting athletes from additional injury and to insure a safe and healthy return to activity.

Providing important information on strengthening, flexibility, endurance and conditioning exercises, in addition to nutrition, are other ways in which “trainers” assist in contributing to the overall health, fitness and readiness of athletes to participate in athletic competition.

 

Results of this program have been well received with positive feedback from not only coaches and athletes but also family members, Parkersburg South High School and the community. MRPT has welcomed this challenge and is looking forward to continuing this collaboration with PSHS to assist with the many aspects necessary to enable students to participate safely in athletics.