Athletic trainers are uniquely qualified to serve the physically active population by assisting in the prevention, examination, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute/subacute and chronic neuromuscular conditions.  An AT can assist you in maintaining functional status and desired levels of activity by managing pain and injury. Performance therapy can be done on a consistent basis to help keep you moving well and feeling good while being physically active.  Together, we will identify ways to make activity and movement better and allow you the ability to maintain your goals with less pain and discomfort.

Athletic training is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an allied health care profession.

 

Who are athletic trainers?

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as prescribed by state licensure statutes. 

Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program, and 70% of ATs have a master’s degree. 

Why use an athletic trainer?

Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. Athletic trainers relieve widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions and provide an unparalleled continuum of care for the patients.

Athletic trainers improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury and re-injury. Preventative care provided by an athletic trainer has a positive return on investment for employers. ATs are able to reduce injury and shorten rehabilitation time for their patients, which translates to lower absenteeism from work or school and reduced health care costs. (NATA.org)

“Prior to meeting with Meg, I was experiencing discomfort (both from past injury and general, mild ongoing pain) that was interfering with my active lifestyle. I didn’t know where to turn for relief and knew I wanted something more intensive, targeted, and effective than previous things I’ve tried. I am so thankful to have found Meg at AIRE. Meg is seriously gifted in her ability to holistically review the entire body system and provide skilled, coordinated interventions that are incredibly effective. After each session with her, I leave feeling a sense of deep relief throughout my entire body. The absence of tension and pain after my sessions with Meg is tangible. I am able to perform better in the gym and in life because I am able to move more comfortably.”
— – Rachael

Examples of injuries/conditions Athletic Trainers can address:

  • Muscle strains and joint sprains

  • Low back/SIJ pain - chronic and acute

  • Knee pain: patellofemoral, chondromalacia, patellar tendinosis, IT band irritation and more

  • Ankle and foot injuries - chronic and acute

  • Hip pain - chronic and acute

  • Shoulder pain - chronic and acute

  • General muscle soreness and pain with activity

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation for musculoskeletal repair

  • Many other issues associated with muscle, tendon, ligament or connective tissue irritation and injury