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Athletic trainers offer a vital service
Staff Report
Published October 20, 2009
Paris High School’s athletic department recently honored Dr. Robert “Bob” Schneider and Doug Wehrman with Silver Crush jerseys, and Schneider was presented a plaque for his 28 years of service as the team’s orthopedic surgeon.
Physical therapist Wehrman received a similar plaque this past year for his 30-plus years of service to the team.
Both professionals are to be commended for their unselfish service to Paris High School and the Paris Wildcats.
The presentations emphasize the level of care players need while participating in highly competitive and physical contact sports such as football.
Health care professionals often travel with area high school teams to assess injuries on the field and make determinations whether players should remain in the game or be removed for immediate treatment.
Some teams employ athletic trainers such as Paris High’s Chad Heiberg. These professionals play a significant role in the management, prevention, recognition and rehabilitation of injured athletes, according to a Mayo School of Health Sciences Web site in Rochester, Minn.
“Under the supervision of a licensed physician, athletic trainers administer immediate emergency and follow-up care,” the site states. “They develop athletic injury prevention and treatment programs using their knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy and pathology.
“Athletic trainers also provide a vital communication link between the injured athlete, the physician, the coach, and sometimes the athlete’s family, to determine when it’s right to return to practice and competition.”
Professional support is an important consideration for area athletic programs. We understand most area teams have this type support through paid staff or through a working relationship with a health care profession. But if not, athletic directors should be contacting one of the many able physicians and therapists in this community to ask for a helping hand.
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