King's Daughters' Health

Playing It Safe INJURIES CAN BE a part of sports. However, when they happen to athletes at Madison Consolidated, Southwestern and Shawe Memorial Jr./Sr. High School, a King's Daughters' Health certified athletic trainer is often the first provider they see, whether on the sideline, in the school's training room or at the KDH Rehabilitation Center in Madison. KDH athletic trainers have cared for high school athletes in a variety of sports for decades, and the demand for their services is growing. During the 2015–16 academic year, students from Madison Consolidated alone accounted for more than 1,300 visits with KDH athletic trainers. "These athletic trainers are unbelievable at caring for acute injuries at a moment's notice," says Letha Harding, BSC/PTA, BCB, Director of Rehabilitation Services at KDH. "They also educate parents, coaches, athletic directors and athletes about safety and performance improvement, such as conditioning, avoiding heat stroke and how to properly remove a helmet and pads following injury." At Home on the Gridiron For the athletic trainers, working with young athletes is a labor of love. KDH Lead Therapist Dave Pappenheim, ATC, LAT, PTA, attends all of Madison Consolidated's wrestling matches, boys' and girls' basketball games, and track and field competitions. He recently completed his 20th season patrolling the sideline at the school's football games. Seeing the athletes' passion for their sports never gets old to him. "I enjoy their energy and desire to get better so they get back out there," Dave says. "Football is my favorite sport. I like watching the athletes play." Regardless of which team he's watching, a typical game or match for Dave begins with applying athletic tape to athletes' ankles, wrists, thumbs, shoulders and any other area that may be susceptible to injury. During the game, he utilizes the tools of his trade – ice, splints, crutches, a training table and a stationary bicycle, among others – to treat injuries that may range from a sprained ankle to a dislocated shoulder. He follows up with injured players after games and the next day at the school, where he has an office. "For minor injuries, I can prescribe simple exercises on site to get athletes back in the game faster," Dave says. "If an injury is serious, I contact the athlete's parents and get them in to see an orthopedist quickly." Prioritizing Prevention Certified Athletic Trainer Marci Cole, ATC, PTA, has cared for local athletes as part of the KDH team for 22 years. Currently, she covers most sports at Southwestern and Shawe Memorial. She alternates Some of the most important members of the sports teams at three local high schools never put on a uniform. CONCUSSION CARE FROM PRESEASON TO POSTSEASON The certified athletic trainers at King's Daughters' Health take concussion prevention very seriously and make it a priority for each athlete they work with. KDH athletic trainers recommend high school athletes in all sports take the computer-based ImPACT test prior to the start of their season, and they work with athletic directors at local high schools to ensure all interested students have one. A baseline test gives providers a snapshot of what normal cognitive function looks like. KDH pediatricians Pat Stack, MD, and Holly Robinson, MD, and family medicine physician Mark Totten, MD, all offer a post-injury test, the results of which are compared with the baseline test to measure the extent of a possible injury. If a suspected concussion occurs during play, the athletic trainer's job is to recognize symptoms and get help immediately. "I assess the athlete's coordination and ability to answer recall and orientation questions on the sideline," 4 WINTER 2017 // www.kdhmadison.org

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