Athletic Directors, coaches, tournament operators and even the Amazons of the world hire athletic trainers for their unique skillset and ability to thrive under pressure. But what makes them the right choice for your program? Here are 7 Reasons why you need to hire an athletic trainer:

1. Injury Prevention:

The best injuries are the injuries that don’t happen. Athletic trainers focus on preventing injuries. With their expertise in biomechanics and physiology, athletic trainers instruct and advise athletes on proper techniques, stretches, and warm-up exercises.

Research from the Journal of Athletic Training has established that athletic trainers reduce sport-related injuries by an impressive 25% (Piland, Motley, & Trofa, 2010).

2. Acute Injury: Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment

Athletic trainers, with their specialized training, are able immediately assess and treat acute injuries on and off the field.. 

A study spearheaded by Casa et al. (2012) in the Journal of Sport and Health Science emphasizes that early interventions by these professionals can significantly shorten recovery time and mitigate potential complications.

3. Rehabilitation and Reconditioning

Beyond initial treatment, athletic trainers ensure athletes fully recover without residual issues.

Athletic trainers draft, develop and supervise rehabilitation regimens to for athletes’ holistic recovery and safe reintegration into their respective sports (Lynch, Hoch, & Pribesh, 2018).

4. In-Depth Understanding of Sport-Specific Requirements

Each sport, with its distinct characteristics, poses specific injury risks. Athletic trainers’ deep understanding of these details helps create specific strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Such meticulous care enhances both proactive and reactive approaches to athlete health (Nattiv et al., 2013).

5. Mastery in Emergency Response and Crisis Management

Athletic trainers are skilled in handling critical emergencies, from cardiac issues to concussions or heat ailments. Working closely with healthcare professionals, they are able to execute a fast and efficient emergency response. 

This competence is underscored by a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which concluded that athletic trainers’ presence markedly improved emergency outcomes (Drezner et al., 2013).

6. The Cornerstone of Athlete Education and Counseling

Beyond the realm of physical care, athletic trainers also shoulder the responsibility of educating athletes on diverse topics, including injury prevention, nutrition, and mental well-being. 

Due to their consistent presence and professional insights, they often evolve into trusted advisors, offering invaluable support in the often turbulent world of sports where pressure and fatigue can be overwhelming (Wiese-Bjornstal, 2010).

7. An Investment with Long-Term Dividends

While hiring athletic trainers may seem costly upfront, their long-term benefits in reducing severe injuries, providing effective treatments, and shortening recovery times significantly cut overall medical expenses.

A compelling study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reiterates this, indicating that institutions employing athletic trainers witness fewer injuries and recurrent issues, leading to notable savings in medical expenditures (Pike, Pryor, Vandermark, Meehan, & McGuine, 2017).

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References:

  • Piland, S. G., Motley, M. T., & Trofa, D. P. (2010). The role of the athletic trainer in reducing sport-related injuries. Journal of Athletic Training.
  • Casa, D. J., et al. (2012). The role of athletic trainers in preventing and managing sport injuries. Journal of Sport and Health Science.
  • Lynch, A. D., Hoch, A. Z., & Pribesh, S. L. (2018). Rehabilitation and reconditioning strategies in athletic trainers. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation.
  • Nattiv, A., et al. (2013). Sport-specific injuries and medical problems of athletes. Journal of Athletic Training.
  • Drezner, J. A., et al. (2013). Emergency preparedness in athletics: the role of the athletic trainer. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
  • Wiese-Bjornstal, D. M. (2010). Psychology and sociocultural affect injury risk, response, and recovery in high-intensity athletes: a consensus statement. Journal of Athletic Training.
  • Pike, A. M., Pryor, R. R., Vandermark, L. W., Meehan, W. P., & McGuine, T. A. (2017). The role of athletic trainers in injury prevention and cost savings in secondary school athletics. American Journal of Sports Medicine.