Sometimes the best sports injury prevention and care doesn’t happen at a clinic or therapy gym – it happens right where your team practices and plays. Since 2000, Baptist Health’s athletic trainers have been providing on-site coverage to help athletes from the Louisville area safely participate in their favorite sports.

We have experience with athletes of all ages and skill levels. From youth football leagues to supporting our community’s very first professional soccer team, Louisville City FC, we are a trusted source for athletic trainer coverage.

Baptist Health Athletic Trainer Coverage: Why Choose Us?

Consider us an extension of your team. We are always working to prevent, diagnose and provide immediate care for sports injuries.

Highlights of our program include:

• Expertise: In addition to completing rigorous training programs, most of our athletic trainers have master’s degrees in a sports medicine-related field. Our trainers are also certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. This designation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in preventing and treating sports injuries.
• Professional-level trainers for athletes of any skill level: Whether we are working with the pros or with youth sports leagues, we bring the same level of care and expertise to all of the teams we serve. Learn more about our partnership with Louisville City FC and affiliated schools, clubs and teams.
• Results: Many of the coaches we work with tell us that having a Baptist Health athletic trainer on the field gives them peace of mind and makes their job easier.
• Quick access to expert care: Our trainers accurately diagnose and provide immediate care for a wide range of sports injuries, including sprains and strains. For serious or complex injuries, our trainers consult with Baptist Health sports medicine physicians by phone. We can even coordinate next-day follow-up appointments from the sidelines.

Sports Injuries Our Athletic Trainers Prevent and Diagnose

Our trainers are skilled in helping prevent and care for a broad range of sports injuries, including:

• Heat-related illnesses (heat cramp, heat exhaustion and heat stroke)
• Overuse injuries
• Knee conditions
• Hand, elbow and shoulder conditions
• Foot and ankle conditions
• Lower back pain
• Head and neck injuries, such as concussion

Athletic Training Services We Provide

Our trainers regularly attend practices and games so your team can focus on having a great season. Our top priority is preventing injuries. When injuries do happen, we help minimize time on the bench while paving the way for a safe return to sport. 

Our approach to athletic training includes:

• Screening athletes to determine their risk for injury: We help athletes get off to a great season by identifying potential injury risks and developing a plan to prevent them. For example, we help distance runners offset wear and tear on their ligaments and joints by focusing on strength training and regular stretching.
• Education: We partner with parents, coaches and sports league organizers to create safe playing environments through ongoing education. Common topics include nutrition and hydration, and the importance of seeing a sports medicine physician for injury care.
• Immediate injury evaluation: When an athlete gets injured, we rush to their side. We perform an exam on the spot to determine how serious the injury is. We also determine whether it is safe for the athlete to return to play. Whenever necessary, we contact Baptist Health sports medicine physicians by phone for an expert opinion right from the field.
• Emergency care: We provide immediate care for serious injuries including deep cuts or ligament tears. We may clean and bandage open wounds or brace an injured joint to protect it. In case of a medical emergency, such as unconsciousness or heat stroke, we provide immediate first aid and share important information with paramedics as soon as they arrive.
• Safe return to sport: We help athletes make a safe return to their sport after completing treatment. We perform a brief exam to make sure the injury has healed. We may also help the athlete transition back to play with the help of special strengthening exercises, or we may apply special tape to provide extra support.

Contact Us

For more information about sports medicine coverage for special events or your team’s upcoming season, please contact us or call 502.253.6699.