Carlsbad, CA – Physical Rehabilitation Network (PRN), is celebrating the month of March as National Athletic Training Month, a time to appreciate a profession that is commonly overlooked and quite misunderstood.
Athletic trainers (ATs) are defined as; healthcare professionals who render service or treatment, under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician. As a part of the healthcare team, ATs work to prevent and treat musculoskeletal injuries, sports-related illnesses, and offer unparalleled care, making them experts in the field.
“Athletic Trainers are an integral part of every sports medicine team and can be found at almost every level of sports, within the military, performing arts, and industrial settings,” explained Kelsey Krisch, ATC, NASE, out of Synergy Sports and Rehab in Parker, CO.
The profession continues to grow and gain exposure every year, however the importance of an Athletic Trainer continues to be an afterthought.
“AT’s have a unique position within healthcare because they have the luxury of seeing an injury throughout every stage. They make the most contacts; from time of injury, through rehabilitation, and throughout return-to-play,” added Krisch. “When I dreamed about what I was going to be when I grew up, Athletic Trainer was not even on my radar. I was not exposed to the field until I was a Division I athlete at Rider University and even then, my focus was on finishing my Fastpitch Softball career. My path shifted when I started coaching youth softball after graduation.”
Having minimal knowledge of anatomy and physiology but knowing enough for kids and parents to feel comfortable coming to, Krisch for advice on their aches and pains, she began researching the profession and reached out to her AT from Rider, to get more information. Fast forward four years, and she has been fortunate enough to work alongside AT’s in the collegiate, High School, clinical, and physician extender settings.
“Each setting is different in their own way, but each is equally rewarding,” Krisch said. “When asked what setting I hoped to work in, my response was always MLB. I have since changed my response and found my passion at Lutheran High School where I know I can and am making an impact.”
Thirty-seven percent of secondary public schools throughout the United States have access to a full-time ATC – only 28% of private secondary schools do.
“Working as an AT is rewarding every single day, that’s not to say it doesn’t have its challenges but that is where growth in the profession comes from,” Kirsch added. “I have always had a passion for helping others and I utilize my athletic background to help my student athletes achieve their goals by keeping them healthy and educating them on the importance of proper nutrition, staying consistent with rehabilitation, and proper injury prevention technique.”
With the training ATs receive, they are equipped to treat acute injuries immediately, saving lives in the case of brain and spinal cord injuries, and even heat illnesses that can be life threatening if not diagnosed and managed properly. These skills carry over from the court or field into workplaces.
“Even Magnolia Market, a popular farmers market in Waco Texas owned by Chip and Joanna Gains from the popular HGTV show Fixer Upper, have recently hired an Athletic Trainer to have on site,” Krisch said.
As the first line of defense in a workplace, ATs develop plans to help prevent injuries from regular job duties, that may require strength and stamina, a wide range of motion, and pose a risk of musculoskeletal injuries. PRN is honored to employ ATs across the network and proudly recognizes their hard work in the healthcare field.
More information about ATs and the services they provide can be found at nata.org and also atyourownrisk.org.
About Physical Rehabilitation Network
Physical Rehabilitation Network, LLC (PRN) is a privately held physical therapy organization based in Carlsbad, California. PRN is prominently recognized as the leading therapist-friendly rehab organization in the western part of the United States through its partnership model with premier physical and occupational therapists. The company currently operates over 125 locations providing local autonomy and branding to its therapist partners while streamlining all traditional overhead activities of running a practice. For more information on our model, our locations or partnership opportunities, visit PRNpt.com. You can also follow us @PRNPhysicalTherapy on Facebook, @PRN_therapy on Twitter and Instagram, or on LinkedIn.