There is a common misconception that athletic trainers can only treat athletes, but they can actually help anyone who is dealing with an acute or chronic physical injury.
Most athletic trainers work in association with specialized doctors and physiotherapists. However, they are now venturing into more diverse careers such as high school athletic trainers, rehabilitation specialists, and wellness managers.
Like most professions, an athletic trainer needs to attain a proper certification and license. Be sure to read on in order to find out exactly why you should work with a certified athletic trainer.
Assess Crucial Parts of Your Body
Most people consult an athletic trainer when they experience issues related to bones, muscles, and joints. In some cases, this may be due to chronic conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and osteoporosis.
It is also a good idea to visit them if you are suffering from occupational stress injuries. This includes issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome and shin splints.
All of these conditions call for proper guidance and treatment. In order to get the best treatment, you will need to find a certified athletic trainer.
Be sure to verify the license and certification of the trainer before making a final decision.
Conduct Assessments and Analysis
In order to provide the most accurate treatment, most athletic trainers conduct several assessments in order to attain a deeper understanding of your injury. These assessments measure your muscle and skeletal functions.
Some of the most common assessment techniques include a nutrition analysis and the observation of physical movements. Additionally, they will also conduct stress and performance tests along with a posture analysis.
Conducting all of these tests, and analyzing their results accurately, calls for a certain level of expertise that can only be verified through the possession of a designated license.
Therefore, it is recommended that you always visit a licensed athletic trainer.
Use Complex Procedures for Treatment
Similar to a conventional doctor, athletic trainers also resort to specialized treatment procedures in order to assist their clients. These treatments include simple processes like nutritional consultancy, manual treatments, and physical exercises.
However, they might also suggest some complex procedures such as hydrotherapy, joint mobilization exercises, and therapeutic exercises. Additionally, in severe cases, they might have to adopt emergency measures and rehabilitative techniques.
Performing these procedures requires a high level of expertise and experience. The person must also be certified before they can undertake them.
How to Verify the Authenticity of the Certificate
To become a credible athletic trainer, they must have an undergraduate degree from an athletic training school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Possessing a Master’s degree is even better.
After graduating, one must apply to the Board of Certification in order to become a certified athletic trainer. This certificate is awarded only after the individual has successfully completed and passed the assessment criteria.
Finally, the individual must apply for a legal license to practice their profession. While there are some states that provide some leniency in terms of the certification, acquiring a legal license is mandatory to become a professional athletic trainer.
The Takeaway
It is essential that you receive proper care and consultancy when you are suffering from a physical injury. Any misguidance, or receiving the wrong treatment, can lead to severe complications. Therefore, it is imperative that you only work with a certified athletic trainer when you are suffering from an injury.
Always do some research beforehand and make sure that the practitioner has the correct license and certification. It is important that you trust the athletic trainer throughout your recovery process.
