CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

THE ATHLETIC TRAINER'S ROLE Athletic trainers from more than 30 schools in the Southeast Texas area work with the physicians and staff at CHRISTUS Orthopedic Specialty Center and Beaumont Bone and Joint Institute. These specially trained professionals connect athletes to medical specialists, based on the type of injury or medical need they have. "We serve as a bridge to medical care for student athletes and their parents," says Matt Lewis, ATC, LAT, Athletic Trainer at Nederland High School. "A lot of medical information can go over high schoolers' heads, so trainers explain it in a context they can understand. We also have relationships with many different types of specialists, so we can directly refer patients instead of them having to visit their primary care physician first." Each athletic trainer works with an average of 15 student athletes on a daily basis. Lewis estimates an average of three to five injuries occur during school practice each week that would go untreated if not for the trainers standing by. "For us, it's not just about the major injuries that occur during the Friday night game, it's also about the smaller injuries that happen during the week," Lewis says. "Part of our process involves reassuring athletes when they are injured and worried they might not play again. We determine set activities they can be a part of, so they're still in practice and part of the team. The recovery period and the exercises allowed can even teach athletes to improve in terms of strength and mechanics." Sprains, strains, concussions and overuse injuries are all examples of the wear and tear athletes experience during training and on the field for sports such as football, baseball and basketball. "Every high school with an athletic program has a trainer who's responsible for the health and preparedness of the athletes," says Curtis Thorpe, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth. "Sports medicine specialists at Beaumont Bone and Joint Institute, which is affiliated with CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth, work closely with the trainers to aid in the prevention of injuries and find the best treatment, whether it's bracing, physical therapy or surgical intervention." THE NEW SCIENCE OF SPORTS MEDICINE In the past, student athletes relied on their coaches for assistance when injuries occurred. Athletic trainers and orthopedic specialists now add an extra level of support. "Treating athletic injuries has become a science, and we watch for certain injuries, such as concussion, much more closely," says Gene Isabell, MD, Board-certified, fellowship- trained Orthopedic Surgeon at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth. "Now we can coordinate care from the time the injury happens, evaluating the injury and providing a plan of care, which we break down for students, parents and coaches. When everyone is on the same page, the athlete can heal and get back into the game safely." To schedule an appointment or consultation with an orthopedic sports medicine specialist, call 800.218.9355. Friday Night LightS Every young athlete wants to stay at the top of his or her game. The orthopedic sports medicine specialists at CHRISTUS Orthopedic Specialty Center and Beaumont Bone and Joint Institute offer extra support to the athletic trainers on the sidelines during practice and on game day. Gene Isabell, MD Curtis Thorpe, MD Friday Night LightS Beyond the Lewis says. "Part of our process involves reassuring athletes when they are injured and worried they might not play again. We determine set activities n teach athletes to improve 4 LiveWell | August/September 2014

• Cover