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Who's caring for your kids on the field?

Posted: Wed, Mar 10, 2010 7:00 PM

Whether a player or spectator, coach or parent, everyone feels the pain as an athlete falls to the ground from an injury. The crowd holds a collective breath as the coaches, athletic trainers and fellow players convene around the injured, and eyes search the crowd for a glimpse of the parents as they watch, silently willing their child to stand up. Slowly, the athlete rises to his or her feet to the wild applause of the relieved fans. The mother closes her eyes as she gathers herself, and a friend or neighbor claps the father on the back.

Sports and injuries seem to go together. In many cases, a few minutes rest is all it takes for the injured athlete to be ready to go back in and join their team. To admit pain and the inability to continue playing is completely unacceptable in the eyes of an athlete.
But who is it on the field caring for our children's injuries: patching them up when they get knocked down, assessing their joints if they are hurt, teaching them proper technique to avoid injury altogether?

Athletic trainers from Winneshiek Medical Center are present at most school-sponsored varsity sporting events, as well as various other non-varsity events, in Winneshiek County, including Decorah, South Winneshiek, and Turkey Valley, and also provide preventive and acute care at Postville, Mabel-Canton, Spring Grove and Luther College athletic events.

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians to optimize activity and participation of patients and clients. Athletic training encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. Throughout the month of March, athletic trainers are being recognized for their vital role in school athletics nationwide.

Scott Lewis, supervisor of athletic training and outreach services, and physical therapist at Winneshiek Medical Center says, "Athletic trainers are a vital part of the schools' teams� they know their training programs and safety needs. Not only are the trainers there in case a student is injured, they are there to prevent the injury in the first place through education on things like technique, conditioning and hydration." He adds, "Athletic trainers develop a relationship � a bond � with the athletes. They are trusted to keep the players safe, and they take that responsibility very seriously. Parents can be assured their child is in skilled and compassionate hands with our dedicated group of athletic trainers."

Sports injury care at Winneshiek Medical Center involves athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who all work together to create a seamless experience for the injured athlete. From initial care on the field to diagnosis and treatment, athletes receive high-quality care focused on prevention and safety that is delivered with an understanding of each athlete and their individual needs and goals.

Picture: Winneshiek Medical Center's athletic trainers serve seven area schools. Pictured from left: Kelli Blum (a recipient of the prestigious Sports Medicine Specialist Award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association for 2010), Jess Morken, and Chris Kamm.