Athletic trainers are health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize patient and client activity and participation in athletics, work and life. The practice of athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination and diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of emergent, acute, sub-acute, and chronic neuromusculoskeletal conditions and certain medical conditions in order to minimize subsequent impairments, functional limitations, disability, and societal limitations.
Athletic trainers are educated and trained to examine patients/clients who have acute, sub-acute, or chronic musculoskeletal disorders and medical conditions and to arrive at a differential diagnosis regarding suspected pathologies. Based on this assessment, athletic trainers determine the impairments, functional limitations and the disabilities that result from these injuries and illnesses. Effective examination requires a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal and systemic anatomy, and the physiological response to injury and illness.
Examination is an ongoing process focused on meeting the changing needs of the patient/client. Athletic trainers recognize when consultation with other health care providers is necessary and refer accordingly.