Physical Therapists are the Coach’s Newest Recruit

Advocate for your child’s health by encouraging this strategic partnership

Birmingham, Alabama (October 14, 2014) – A surprising number of high school athletes are injured each year. Football, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading injuries for youth totaled more than 1.5 million in 2013 according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  One potential solution to high school sports injuries is better partnerships between athletic coaching staff and physical therapists. While coaches and athletic trainers handle a student athlete’s immediate healthcare needs on the sidelines, physical therapists can provide one-on-one treatment and more hands-on techniques for injury recovery.

According to the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, only 42 percent of high schools have access to athletic trainers.  With more than half the nation’s high school without an on-site trainer, parents should advocate for increased partnerships between their children’s athletic coaches and their local physical therapists.

“Parents of student athletes can rest a little easier knowing that their child’s coach has a good relationship with a local physical therapist who can provide education, recommendations and support for injury treatment and rehabilitation,” said Ryan Hunt, DPT, CSCS, manager of ErgoScience Physical Therapy Clinic in Birmingham, and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS). “We aren’t just going to ice, heat or tape an injury and send a kid back out onto the field. Our knowledge and expertise, in partnership with that of the athlete’s coach, means players stay healthy. If an individual is injured, we can provide coaches with game day advice on whether or not that individual is starting roster-ready.”

To prevent sporting injuries, parents and coaches should follow these sports safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:

• Rule out potential medical conditions prior to sports participation with a complete physical examination by a doctor and follow up with a physical therapist to screen for any potential musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
• Notify coaches and staff of any pre-existing medical conditions before the first practice.
• Be sure to warm-up and cool-down before and after each sporting session, respectively.
• Drink lots of fluids before and during heightened levels of activity.
• Ensure your athlete has all the necessary safety equipment and gear for practices and games.
• Watch for signs of injury or overuse, such as headaches and muscle or joint stiffness, and don’t allow athletes to “play through the pain.”
• Get adequate rest throughout the week.

“In addition to these tips, October is Physical Therapy Month and physical therapists across the country are offering additional tips, tools and resources to better educate the public about physical therapy and its many benefits, so let’s keep the conversation going” said Hunt. 

Hunt says ErgoScience Physical Therapy doesn’t require a physician’s referral and opens its doors to anyone interested in learning more about how to have a healthy, safe and injury free season. For more information, please visit www.esphysicaltherapy.com

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the health care system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.