Athletic training
Norton King's Daughters' Health offers prevention and recovery therapies for athletes of all ages—including weekend warriors. Our sports medicine team includes physicians, certified and licensed athletic trainers (ATCs), and physical therapists who are trained and educated in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries that result from physical activity. Athletic trainers team with physical therapists to improve functional performance.
Reviewed 12/28/2022
Sources
- American Council on Exercise. "10 Reasons Why You Should Be Stretching." https://www.acefitness.org/resources/pros/expert-articles/6387/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-stretching/?pageID=520.
- American Council on Exercise. "Benefits of Flexibility." https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/6646/benefits-of-flexibility/.
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. "Flexibility and Stretching." https://www.burkeandbradley.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FlexibilityandStretching.pdf.
- Healthychildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). "Promoting Physical Activity as a Way of Life." https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/fitness/Pages/Promoting-Physical-Activity-as-a-Way-of-Life.aspx.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans." https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/previous-guidelines/2008-physical-activity-guidelines.
Stretching: Myth or fact?
When it comes to flexibility and minding your muscles, it's important not to stretch the truth. See if you can tell fact from fiction in this quiz all about stretching and its benefits.
Myth or fact: Flexibility is nice to have, but it's not a major part of physical fitness.
Myth. Flexibility is an important part of physical fitness. Your body needs to be able to bend and twist through a normal range of motion without overexerting yourself or causing injury. When you are more flexible, you are more agile, which can help you meet the demands of your physical activity of choice.
Myth or fact: Stretching can reduce your stress levels.
Fact. Exercise is a great way to control stress. Plus, well-stretched muscles hold less tension and thus leave your body feeing less stressed. According to the American Council on Exercise, stretching has many other unseen benefits, such as improved posture and circulation.
Myth or fact: Stretching correctly should hurt a little.
Myth. Stretching should not hurt. Only stretch your muscle to the point of tension—you should feel some tightness, but not pain. As you stretch more, you may notice that you can tolerate more stretching.
Myth or fact: You should stretch before you warm up.
Myth. If you stretch cold muscles, you may have a higher risk of injury. According to the American Council on Exercise, you should spend 5 to 10 minutes warming up prior to stretching out. Warming up is usually a simple and low-intensity activity, such as easy walking while swinging your arms.
Myth or fact: Stretching as you get older is a bad idea.
Myth. As you age, your muscles get shorter, and over time you may lose your ability to do certain kinds of motion. Stretching regularly can slow down that process and keep you active longer.
Get flexible in your exercise routine and incorporate some stretching. Follow these steps:
- Exhale slowly as you stretch the muscle.
- Hold your stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Relax, and repeat 2 to 4 times.
Make sure to warm up first, and avoid classic mistakes like bouncing and holding your breath.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Council on Exercise; American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Partnerships with local high schools
Athletic training services are provided to local high school students through an outreach program that encompasses a wide range of athletic activities. Student safety is our top priority. We work closely with coaches, athletic directors, parents and the athletes to promote effective recovery.
Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, or chronic injuries and medical conditions. 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 healthcare profession.
Athletic training includes:
- Injury evaluation.
- Acute injury management.
- Injury prevention.
- Taping.
- Concussion management.
- Treatment and rehabilitation.
Athletic trainers provide services to athletes at three schools in Jefferson County (Indiana): Madison Consolidated High School, Southwestern High School and Shawe Memorial High School. Athletic trainers at Norton KDH work closely with family physicians and orthopedic physicians. They also communicate with coaches and parents regarding treatment of athletes, including plans for safe return to athletic competition.