An athletic trainer is an individual that specializes in the care and prevention of athletic injuries caused by physical activity and sports. Athletic trainers may treat patients immediately following a physical trauma (spraining an ankle in a basketball game) or they may be involved with the long-term management of an injury (such as tendonitis). An athletic trainer manages and treats injuries by first determining the extent of an individual?s condition and how it has affected an individual?s strength, speed, agility, range of motion and function. The athletic trainer will then develop and implement a rehabilitation program designed to treat the injury. Athletic trainers also play an important part in the prevention of injuries by developing programs aimed at stopping physical problems before they happen. Such programs may include taping and bracing and specific warm up exercises and/or stretches. Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings such as high schools, colleges, wellness centers and rehabilitation clinics. Athletic trainers are also needed on professional sports teams such as those found in the NBA, NFL, NASCAR, etc.
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