Sports Medicine Team

Our Team Helps Athletes Live Beyond the Limits of Injury

The Center’s Sports Medicine team, made up of certified athletic trainers, strength & conditioning specialists and physical therapists, is helping athletes achieve their goals across West Michigan.

From preventative care and performance enhancement to post injury care and rehabilitation, our team has your athlete cared for.

athletic training taping ankle
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What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic Trainers hold at least a four year degree from a BOC (Board of Certification) accredited institution. They are licensed, certified healthcare professionals working with athletes on and off the field. Generally they are the first responders when injuries occur at sporting events.

Athletic Trainers work closely with coaches and parents and will refer athletes to other health care professionals such as physicians, physical therapists and surgeons when needed.  Your school’s sports schedule determines your Athletic Trainer’s specific hours; typically they are available right after school and continue until sporting events have concluded for the day.

Support During the Game

Athletic trainers see athletes for various types of injuries and are trained to be first responders on the field. They commonly manage any type of musculoskeletal issues including:

  • Shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, hand and ankle injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries including concussions
  • Triage and wound care
  • Heat related illnesses
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Catastrophic injuries
Athletic trainer on the sidelines

Support In The Athletic Training Room

When Athletic Trainers are not on the field, they:

  • Prepare athletes for competition by taking preventative measures such as equipment fitting, taping and bracing
  • Assess athletes with acute and chronic injuries to determine their participation status and continued care
  • Perform sport-specific rehabilitation on injured athletes
  • Communicate with athletes, parents, physicians, and physical therapists to manage injuries with appropriate care

What is a Strength & Conditioning Specialist?

Coaching a dead lift

Strength and Conditioning coaches work closely with athletic trainers and coaches to provide a safe and effective training plan. They are experts in teaching, progressing, and regressing basic movement patterns, which allows them to tailor a
program specifically to the level of the athlete. This allows athletes to develop a balanced foundation of proper technique, which
can be built upon to improve strength, power, mobility and confidence.

Our Strength and Conditioning coaches all hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and are nationally credentialed by the NASM or NSCA.

Get to Know Our
Sports Medicine Team

The Center employs highly skilled Certified Athletic Trainers (AT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists. You can see our team members on the sidelines of local high schools, Universities, and even businesses in West Michigan. 

athletic trainer helping football player

Train With Our Team at the Sports Academy

Experiencing a sports injury or looking to improve athletic performance? Visit our team at the Sports Academy, located in our Cascade location, for physical therapy and injury prevention services. Our experts can help you safely return to a sport or prevent future injuries from occurring with unique exercises and advanced technology. Our sports medicine techniques support both the physical and mental health of athletes to help get you back on the field.

Have questions? Call us at 616.954.0950 or Contact Us

Request an Appointment

Our Patient Care Coordinators will contact you with appointment options.

📅 Request Appointment

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