Loudoun County Public Schools Athletic Training

Paul A. Peterson MA, ATC.Certified Athletic TrainerWoodgrove High School38611 Allder School RoadPurcellville, VA. 20132

Athletic Trainer vs. Personal TrainerAthletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer is an expert at recognizing, treating and preventing injuries. AT’s practice under the direction of a physician and are members of a health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association.

Must obtain, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in athletic training. (@ 70% of AT’s have Master’s degree).

Must pass a comprehensive exam to earn the ATC credential. Must keep their knowledge and skills current by participating

in continuing education. Must adhere to standards of professional practice set by one

national certifying agency and to a national code of ethics.

Athletic Trainer vs. Personal Trainer- cont.

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer develops, monitors and changes an individuals specific exercise program in a fitness or sports setting. Personal trainers can earn credentials through a number of agencies and work without formal instruction or certification.

May or may not have higher education in health sciences. May or may not be required to obtain certification or state

license. May or may not participate in continuing education. May become certified by any one of numerous organizations

that set varying education and practice requirements.

Medical Staff

Team Physician

● Dr. TJ Hegerich M.D. Leesburg / Sterling Family Practice 17336 Pickwick Dr. Suite A. Purcellville, VA. 20132 (540)-338-9896

Medical Staff- cont.

Orthopedists

● Dr. David C. Johnson, M.D. Dr. Tim S. Johnson M.D. The National Sports Medicine Institute 19455 Deerfield Ave. Suite 312 Lansdowne, VA. 20176 (703)-727-5010

www.nationalsportsmed.com

Medical Staff- cont.

Orthodontist- (mouth pieces)

● Dr. Kianoush Tari DMD 17333 Pickwick Dr. Suites A & B Purcellville, VA. 20132 (540)-338-0004

Medical Staff-cont.

Physical Therapist

● Dr. Richard C. Mead BSPT, DPTPurcellville Orthopedic Physical Therapy125 Hirst Rd.Purcellville, VA. 20132(540)-751-1970www.rmhealthservices.com

Reporting Injuries

Please report all injuries/illnesses, or even suspected ones, to the Athletic Trainer as soon as possible. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent a small problem from developing into a major problem.

Unless it is an emergency, try to see the Athletic Trainer before seeing a physician.

The Athletic Trainer will evaluate the injury/illness and determine if a referral to a physician is necessary.

Reporting Injuries- cont.

Hopefully, the Athletic Trainer can save you a trip to the physician and treat the injury/illness in house.

The Athletic Trainer will notify the student-athlete’s coach about their injury status (restrictions or limitations) and determine when the student-athlete can safely return to practice or competition.

Remember, LCPS policy states that any student-athlete who has an injury/illness that is evaluated by a physician must have written!! clearance from that physician to return to practice or competition.

ConcussionsConcussion is simply defined as a disruption of the brain’s

normal function. There is no such thing as having your “bell rung”.

S/S- ● Headache ● Dizziness

● Balance problems ● Double or blurred vision ● Sensitivity to light or sound

● Feeling sluggish or foggy ● Concentration or memory problems ● Irritability ● Confusion

Concussions- cont.On recommendations by head injury experts at the International Conference on Concussions in Sport held in Zurich (Nov. 2008) and by Virginia State Law in 2011:

No student-athlete should return to play (RTP) on the same day of a concussion.

Any student-athlete removed from play because of a

concussion must be evaluated by and have medical clearance from a licensed health care provider before he or she can resume practice or competition.

Close observation of the student-athlete should continue for a few hours.

Return to Play Protocol No activity (physical and cognitive rest) until

asymptomatic.

Once asymptomatic, student-athlete may begin low-impact activities such as walking or stationary bike.

If asymptomatic for 24 hours, may then begin aerobic

activity fundamental to their specific sport such as running and may also begin strength training activities.

If asymptomatic for 24 hours, may begin non-contact skill drills specific to their sport such as dribbling, fielding, batting, etc.

Return to Play Protocol- cont.

If asymptomatic for 24 hours, may begin full contact activities in a practice setting.

If student-athlete remains asymptomatic for another 24 hours he or she may return to game activities.

If symptoms return after any of these stages, the student-

athlete must return to the previous stage.

MRSA

MRSA- (Methicillen Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a strain of staph bacteria that have developed a resistance to the most common antibiotics. This rapidly progressing bacteria attacks soft tissue of the skin and can become systemic by entering the blood stream which endangers joints and vital organs. Potentially life threatening!

S/S- ● Presence of pus or a pustule ● Abnormal swelling or redness ● Red streaks around wound

● Unusual pain or sensitivity ● Abnormal coloration

MRSA- cont.

If MRSA is suspected, the student-athlete should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Ways to prevent getting MRSA include:

Proper hygiene. Shower immediately after practice and wash hands frequently with antibiotic soap.

Don’t share towels, razors, soaps or other personal toiletries.

Get every skin wound checked by the Athletic Trainer.

Clean and cover all wounds to prevent infection.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are drugs which are derived from testosterone, which is a male hormone. They are very different from (Corticosteroids) such as prednisone, which is often used to treat asthma and other inflammatory conditions.

In a 2009 study, teens were asked if they have ever used anabolic steroids. Results of this study showed that 1.3% of 8th and 10th graders and 2.2% of 12th graders had used anabolic steroids.

Anabolic Steroids- cont.

Potential health consequences of anabolic steroid abuse:

Men Women● Baldness, acne ● Facial hair, acne, baldness● Aggressiveness ● Permanent deep voice● Heart attacks ● Heart attacks● Breast development ● Liver cancer ● Liver cancer ● Problems with periods● Infertility ● Diabetes● Diabetes

Energy Drinks

Beverages containing carbohydrates and caffeine/herbal ingredients acting as a central nervous system stimulant. Examples: Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar.

Side effects: elevated blood pressure and heart rate, tremor, feeling bloated, diarrhea, cramping, dehydration, and potential positive drug test.

There is no regulatory control over energy drinks by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), thus their content and purity cannot be insured. This may lead to adverse side effects, potentially harmful interactions with prescription and over-the counter medications

Energy Drinks- cont.

Recommendations of the VHSL Sports Medicine Committee:

● Energy drinks should not be used for hydration.

● Energy drinks should not be consumed by athletes who are dehydrated.

● Energy drinks should not be consumed without prior medical approval or by athletes taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Nutritional Supplements

The principle concern of nutritional supplement use is safety. Just because you can buy them over-the-counter at GNC and the labels read “all natural” does not mean they are safe.

Supplements are not considered drugs and therefore are not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). There has been very little research on the potential side effects and interactions of nutritional supplements.

Nutritional Supplements- cont.

Before any nutritional supplement is taken you should answer these questions:● Is it safe?● Is it legal?● Is it effective?● Is it tested?

Although research suggests that some nutritional supplements may enhance physical performance, such supplementation should only compliment a well-balanced healthy diet, not substitute for one. Buyers beware?

Athletic Training Webpage

Please visit the Athletic Training webpage on the Woodgrove High School Athletics website for additional information on:● Concussions● MRSA● Anabolic Steroids● Energy Drinks● Nutritional Supplements

Look for the Wolverine Sports Medicine Newsletter on the Woodgrove Weekly email for the latest information on various sports related injuries, fitness and nutrition.

Questions ?