Athletic Training Month

We have reached the month of March, which means it is National Athletic Training Month! Some may wonder what the difference is between an athletic trainer and a physical therapist. Both professions are dedicated to helping people optimize movement to return to and/or maintain their best level of function. Let’s go through a few more similarities and differences of the two professions.

What does an athletic trainer do?

• Athletic trainers require a Bachelor’s degree, however, 70% of ATs get a Master’s degree.
• Often, they are first on site with athletes to report to acute injuries.
• They work with athletes of various ages and skill levels. This includes athletes in youth sports, professional sports and industrial athletes in work settings. Athletic trainers can also work in clinics and hospitals.
• Focus on injury prevention, assessment and management of acute and/or chronic conditions.
• May use injury preventative devices such as tape or braces to help as needed.
• Athletic trainers provide emergency care and then collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physical therapists.
• They must react and think quickly under pressure when on sidelines with athletes.
• Just like physical therapists, athletic trainers must complete ongoing education requirements to maintain their certification.

What does a physical therapist do?

• Physical therapists require a Bachelor’s degree with specific prerequisites to enter a Doctoral program. Typically it takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, then 2-3 years to complete the doctoral program.
• Like athletic training, physical therapists work in multiple settings, including the following: outpatient clinics, hospitals, home health care, skilled nursing and some are self-employed.
• Physical therapists can specialize in different patient populations. Examples include: orthopedics, pediatrics, vestibular and neurological rehabilitation.
• A physical therapist’s role is to evaluate, diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. This includes acute, chronic and post-operative.
• A physical therapist may treat using stretching, strengthening, joint mobilizations/manipulations, modalities (ice, heat, electric stimulation, etc.), balance training and proper prescription of assistive devices (crutches, braces, orthotics).

How do athletic trainers and physical therapists work together?

• Both athletic trainers and physical therapists have the goal of returning the athlete to prior level function.
• A physical therapist is able to provide one-on-one patient care that can focus on rehabilitation of injury. They can provide treatment to reduce symptoms and develop a program to maximize function.
• An athletic trainer can assess the individual during sport activities to determine how the individual is responding to treatment and ensure they are implementing rehabilitation program effectively.
• Healthcare provides best serve an individual when working together as a team. Communication between an athletic trainer and physical therapist can enhance an athlete's ability to return to prior level of function at a safe and efficient rate.

Sources:
Athletic Trainer Vs. Physical Therapist: Career, Salary, Education of PT Progress
National Athletic Training Month: 20 Facts About Athletic Training

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These PT Pro Tips are brought to you by our Thiensville and Third Ward Therapist, Alissa Pearson, PT, DPT.
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Outside of work, Alissa enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, playing soccer, and playing with her dog.

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