At some point in time in your athletic career you will probably have to seek out the advice or services of an Allied Health Professional.  These are individuals in the health care industry, (other than the physicians), that may have a particular expertise in dealing with athletes or they aid the athlete in some way at different times in their growth and development in sports.  These individuals cover a broad range of services in the health care industry, they include: exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nutritionists/dieticians, fitness coaches and/or performance coaches, and sports psychologists.  Many parents, coaches and athletes ask, “Who are these people? What do they do? And where do I find them? We have the answers for you.  Now, if you are ever sent to one of these individuals, you’ll know who you are dealing with and how they can help you.

Exercise Physiologists:  These are scientists who conduct controlled investigations of responses and adaptations to muscular activities, using human subjects or animals.  In addition to doing research, they often teach academic courses for students of medicine, physiology, physical education or other health-related fields.  They may conduct scientifically based programs for health maintenance, cardiac risk factor reduction and rehabilitation for community organizations; run employee fitness programs; and perform assessments, prescribe exercise and manage exercise programs in various other settings.

You may find these individuals in a clinic, at a research institution or in an academic institution.

Athletic Trainers:  Athletic trainers play a role in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating sports injuries.  As part of a health care team, the athletic trainer works under the direction of a licensed physician and in cooperation with other health care workers, athletic administrators, coaches and parents.  He or she may prepare athletes for practice or competition by taping, bandaging, wrapping and bracing; evaluate injuries to decide if the athlete needs further medical treatment; and develop conditioning and rehabilitation programs.  Athletic trainers work in secondary schools, sports medicine clinics, physical therapy centers and universities, where they may also teach classes in various academic subjects.  Some athletic trainers work in professional sports.

Physical Therapists:  Physical therapists work with patients suffering from injuries or diseases to help improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disability.  They evaluate patients’ medical histories; test and measure their strength, range of motion and ability to function; and develop treatment plans.  These plans, which may be based on a physician’s orders, describe the treatment strategy, its purpose and the anticipated outcome.  After devising a treatment strategy, physical therapists often delegate specific procedures to physical therapy assistants and aides.  Physical therapists are employed in hospitals, the offices of other physical therapists, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, nursing homes and schools.  Some may teach in academic institutions and conduct research.

Nutritionist/Dieticians:  Nutritionists and dieticians plan food and nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals.  They help to prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications, such as the use of less salt for those with high blood pressure or the reduction of fat and sugar intake for those who are overweight.  Dietitians manage food service systems for institutions such as hospitals and schools, promote sound eating habits through education and conduct research.  Major areas of practice include clinical, community, management, and consultant dietetics.  You can find nutritionists and dieticians in schools, college health centers, public health clinics, hospitals, fitness facilities and in private practice.

Fitness Coaches and/or Performance Coaches:  These individuals are responsible for developing and monitoring strength and conditioning programs for athletes.  They are qualified to conduct pre-activity health screenings, design progressive exercise programs, follow exercise prescriptions from medical practitioners, record clients’ progress, and adjust exercise prescriptions according to a client’s specific limitations and capabilities.  These coaches have the most contact with an athlete on a weekly basis.  They should be certified by a nationally accepted fitness agency such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to name a few.  It is best if these coaches also have a degree in a fitness related field.  You can find these individuals working in fitness facilities, hospital based wellness facilities and private clubs.  For additional information on the role of a fitness coach or performance coach, click on Scope of Practice.

Sports Psychologists:  Sports psychology is a kind of psychology that emphasizes understanding psychological or mental components, which influence the athletes’ performance in their sports, exercise and other physical activities.  Its applications aim to improve both individual and team capacities.  Its focus is mostly on emotional management and reducing psychological risks of poor performance and injury.  These individuals can help an athlete with cohesion, (team quality), confidence, motivation, imagery and attention focus.  Sports psychologists are highly educated with most holding at least a Masters or Doctorate degree.   You can find them in private practice or teaching in universities and colleges.