What is an Athletic Trainer’s Role Post-Game?

The game’s over, but an athletic trainer’s work is just beginning. Post-game recovery and rehabilitation are crucial to keeping your child healthy and ready for the next game. So, what is an athletic trainer’s scope of practice post-game?

Athletic trainers help with recovery by managing sore muscles, recommending cool down exercise, stretching and foam rolling. You can also ask your AT for recommendations in regards to hydration and replacing fluid lost during exercises and nutrition tips for post game. They also can help address issues that might require more immediate post-game care like applying ice or compression to reduce swelling.

If your child is dealing with an injury, athletic trainers will guide your child through rehabilitation by creating personalized prescribed exercises to protect the injured tissue while rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence.

Recovery isn’t just about rest—it’s an active process, and athletic trainers are here to support your child every step of the way. 

Post-Game Scope of Practice

When the game is over, it’s not over. 

After the game an AT focuses on the immediate care, evaluation, and recovery of athletes.

Here’s what happens:

1. Evaluate Injuries: The AT checks out the players for any injuries that might have happened during the game; concussions, sprains, fractures, or other issues. They document any injuries they find and put together a treatment plan.

2. Provide Immediate Care: Depending on the injuries, The ATs begin applying ice, heat, compression, or bandages to treat swelling or pain. They also managing wounds like cuts or abrasions.

3. Communicating with Coaches and Parents: The AT will talk with the coaches and parents of an injured player to go over next steps, like a treatment plan or if they should see a doctor.

4. Post-Game Recovery: ATs are helping players with a cool down stretch, making sure they’re hydrating and breaking out the foam rollers to prevent stiffness and post game soreness. 

5. Start getting ready for the next game: The AT is restocking their med kit, recording treatments and outcomes in the players medical records, creating recovery or rehabilitation plans for injured players and coordinating follow-up care if needed with doctors, urgent cares or emergency rooms.