The month of March is designated as Athletic Training Month, acknowledging those on the sidelines at local events that work to keep athletes safe and healthy. According to the National Athletic Trainers Association, a master’s level education is required to enter the field. The individual must also complete a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) program and then become certificated by completing the Board of Certification exam.

Matt Flotterud DC, LAT, AC with JET Physical Therapy spoke this week with KCII News about his position including preparation for an event, work with athletes and how his services might be used, “On a typical day for me, I try to do some injury checks, either during school or during practice time. I evaluate them for what they have, we’ll do therapy, exercises and if I think they need some sort of imaging or more consistent care I can direct them there. At the events, I take care of anyone who is hurt, before during or after those games. I always have my athletic training kit. It contains a lot of tape, first aid supplies, and some rehab equipment in my bag. It weighs about 35lbs. I also carry a treatment table with me and a cooler with ice and ice bags. If an athlete is down on the field of play, the first thing I have to do is assess them. See what their injury is and work from there. Make sure there is no serious damage to their head, neck, or spine and determine if it’s safe to move them. If I can get them off the field I have more tools in my toolbelt on the sideline with my table to assess them, and it also gives them more privacy.”

JET Physical Therapy has an athletic training contract with several schools in the KCII listening area including Washington, WACO, Sigourney, Pekin, Hillcrest Academy, Winfield-Mt. Union and Lone Tree.