All About Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers provide important behind-the-scenes orthopedic care. Found in many different settings, they support athletes and those involved in an active lifestyle. To spread awareness about these healthcare professionals, learn more about what they do and where they can be found.
What is an athletic trainer?
An athletic trainer is a certified and licensed health care professional who specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine.
Where do they work?
The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) coined the motto "Providing Healthcare Everywhere." That’s because athletic trainers can be found in many different settings.
This includes:
- The sidelines of your favorite sports team (high school, college or professional)
- Behind-the-scenes of performing art shows (like Cirque Du Soleil)
- The U.S. Armed Forces
- Orthopedics clinics
What do they do?
Athletic trainers are often the first person to care for an athlete’s injuries. They also offer follow-up care throughout that person's recovery.
Athletic trainers help with:
- Evaluating, diagnosing and treating orthopedic injuries
- Preventing future injuries
- Providing health and wellness education
- Rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
Athletic trainers at St. Luke’s
At St. Luke’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, athletic trainers take the lead on casting, splinting and bracing. They also assist with in-office procedures. They serve as an excellent resource for educating patients and they can get patients ready for physical therapy by recommending a home exercise program.
In addition, St. Luke's has 7 certified athletic trainers who provide year-round health care to athletes of local sports teams. This includes:
- Duluth Huskies
- Minnesota Wilderness
- Duluth FC
- Lake Superior College
- Proctor High School
- Two Harbors High School
- South Ridge High School
- Moose Lake/Willow River High School