Let's Talk to a Professional

Last week, I had the pleasure of talking to a real professional in the world of sports injuries. Brittany Plummer, an athletic trainer at Fordham University, works with athletes from all different kinds of sports each day. She examines and assesses injuries, providing treatment and rehab options. In addition, she attends the actual games in case an injuries occur on the field for either Fordham or the opposing team.

I asked her a few questions about herself and her profession. Here is what she said.

Question 1: How long have you been an athletic trainer?

I have been a certified athletic trainer for four and a half years.

Question 2: What made you choose this career path?

When I was in high school I got injured and spent a decent amount of time around the athletic trainers. I wanted to be around sports and knew college would be the last chance so I figured this was a good way to be around sports.

Question 3: From your experience, what is the most common sports injury you see from college athletes?

Most common sports injury with all college athletes across the board would be muscle strains or ankle sprains. 

Question 4: What advice would you give someone recovering from sports-related surgery?

If you're recovering from sports related surgery, my first advice would be to do pre-surgical rehab to work on strength before. Immediately after surgery reduce the swelling as fast as possible. While doing rehab stay on track, it will hurt, you will be sore and you will want to quit but the more you push through and force yourself the better your outcome will be.

Question 5: What would you say is the number one rule of recovery, if there is any?

Number one rule would most likely be get rid of swelling and keep swelling out. 

Certified athletic trainers get to see and experience the action first-hand. Therefore, every day on the job Brittany helps athletes treat and prevent injuries. While answers may vary from trainer to trainer, this is what Brittany has found to be true from her personal experience.