March is National Athletic Trainers Month when we all celebrate and acknowledge the importance of these professionals. Athletic trainers play a crucial role in orthopaedics, particularly in the context of sports medicine. They work closely with orthopaedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for athletes and physically active individuals. Here are some reasons why athletic trainers are important in orthopaedics:

1. Injury prevention: Athletic trainers develop and implement injury prevention programs, including proper training techniques, conditioning exercises, and protective equipment. By focusing on prevention, they help reduce the risk of orthopaedic injuries.

2. Immediate care: Athletic trainers are the first line of defense in the event of injuries during practices or games. Their quick thinking and readiness are unparalleled. They promptly assess the severity of the injury, administer initial treatment, and decide whether the athlete requires further evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon.

3. Rehabilitation: Athletic trainers work with orthopaedic surgeons to design and implement rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. They monitor the athlete's progress, provide hands-on treatments, and guide them through exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function.

4. Return-to-play decisions: Athletic trainers collaborate with orthopaedic surgeons to determine when an athlete can safely return to their sport. They conduct functional assessments and provide recommendations based on the athlete's progress and the demands of their specific sport.

5. Education and communication: Athletic trainers excel as educators, imparting knowledge about injury prevention, proper techniques, and the significance of adhering to rehabilitation programs. They also shine as team players, acting as a bridge between the athlete, the orthopaedic surgeon, and other healthcare team members. This ensures effective communication and a coordinated approach to care.

6. Long-term athletic development: Athletic trainers contribute to athletes' long-term development by promoting safe training practices, monitoring for overuse injuries, and providing guidance on proper nutrition and recovery techniques.

Athletic trainers are essential orthopedic team members, particularly in sports medicine. They play a vital role in preventing injuries, providing immediate care, facilitating rehabilitation, and ensuring athletes can return to their sports safely and perform at their best. Here at Tidewater Orthopaedics we are fortunate to have three of these professionals on our staff. Lews Flanary and Kylie Hynes work in the clinic with Drs. Payne and Sablan. Ashley Jurgilanis is our durable medical equipment coordinator.