While athletes get the spotlight on game day, the athletic trainers work hard behind the scenes to keep players healthy, and make sure teams can safely compete throughout the season. An athletic trainer treats injuries and helps athletes stay in peak condition.<\/p>\n
Their role is similar to a combination of a nurse, physical therapist, and strength coach, and are responsible for taking care of athletes before injuries, treating injuries when they happen, and the recovery process afterwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf somebody goes down in the middle of the football field we’re running out to get them. If somebody goes down on the basketball court we are the first ones there trying to see what’s wrong with them,\u201d Head Athletic Trainer Melissa Rosenberger said. \u201cBut we also deal with chronic injuries, which happen over time. The track athletes that have the shin splints, the pulled hamstrings or a recurring injury.\u201d<\/p>\n
Athletic trainers also rehabilitate athletes to get back on track so they can return to their sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they sustained a sprained ankle and they went to the doctor\u2019s and nothing is broken but they need rehab to get stronger, they can do that with us,\u201d Rosenberger said.<\/p>\n
The job of an athletic trainer is no easy task especially at a large school like North Penn. About 500-600 athletes participate in sports throughout the year, and the athletic trainers see about a quarter of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot all of the injuries are big, sometimes all they need is a bag of ice after a long run from the prior practice, but sometimes there are more serious injuries like an ACL tear, fractures, or concussions,\u201d Rosenberger stated.<\/p>\n
Being a former athlete also contributes to why Rosenberger loves the job so much.