What Does An Athletic Trainer Do?

Everyone knows what the star quarterback of a football team does, and most people know how important the center position is on a basketball team. One position that few people even think about and no one sees during the game, unless there is an injury, is the athletic trainer. These team members don’t just take up space on the bench in their stylish True Religion jeans and khaki shirts. In reality, athletic trainers are among the most important people on the team because if they do not do their job, the quarterback’s injury is not taken care of properly. And, as each member of the team gets hurt and has to sit out until they heal, the coach has no one to coach.

Most importantly, the first duty of an athletic trainer is to prevent injuries. In order to do this, they must first educate the athletes in the proper ways to perform their basic exercises. They also will recommend ways to train and tone the muscles players use the most in their sport. This might include training in the classroom with books and videos, and it might include training in the weight room and gym. Core muscle exercises are important; when an athlete has good balance, many injuries can be avoided.

Athletic trainers are also there to tape joints and muscles to help prevent injuries. They bandage players when an injury does occur. Athletic trainers work with doctors to some extent. Some injuries require the trainer to work very closely with the physician. Many tests and procedures are performed by the trainer while under the direction of a physician. Even though it can be stressful dealing with athletes’ egos and distress over losing games, athletic training has the potential to be a very rewarding job.