Latest News, Health and Wellness
Sideline Coverage
Our sports medicine team of certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons are dedicated to the health and safety of our local athletes. They work together to provide sideline medical coverage and care to get you back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.
- September 01, 2021
- By Grand Itasca
Local Sports Coverage
Grand Itasca has full-time athletic trainers located at Grand Rapids High School (Ashley Palmer, ATC) and Greenway High School (Alex Willettte, ATC). In addition to these locations, Grand Itasca provides sports medicine coverage at Hill City High School, Itasca Community College, and outreach services for playoff games in our neighboring communities.
Our athletic trainers are collaborative members of our overall sports medicine team. At our full-time locations athletic trainers are available every day after school to provide preventive care, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation. On game days, you will find our trainers on the sidelines, both home and away, prepared to provide medical care as needed.
“Dr. Arie DeGrio (Sports Medicine Physician) also attends many games to evaluate injuries and decide the best course of treatment,” says Ashely Palmer, ATC. “We work together to determine if the injury is minor and can be treated on the sideline to keep them on the field or if follow up care in the clinic is required.”
Care Coordination
“Our team works closely to move athletes between their doctor, physical therapists, and onsite athletic trainers. If an athlete’s therapy includes sport-specific exercises that cannot be done in the clinic, I can work one-on-one with that athlete off site,” says Palmer. “Dr. DeGrio and I communicate regularly on progress to determine the best course of action for each athlete to help them return to their sport.”
Avoiding Sports Injuries
As an athlete, you want to keep your body in peak condition to avoid injury. One of the best ways to do this is to come into the season in shape. “A lot of what we see are non-contact injuries like muscle strains. If you’ve been lifting, running, and working out, your body will be less prone to those types of injuries,” says Palmer. “Preventing injuries is also about being safe within your sport by following proper technique and wearing proper protective equipment.”
If you start to feel pain or discomfort, be sure to consult with your coach, athletic trainer, or medical provider right away. Dealing with an injury at the first sign can prevent it from becoming a more serious problem. Finally, be sure you are getting enough sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition to keep your body in performance condition.