Sports Then and Now

If your physical conditioning is on a level similar to most Americans, chances are that you would not be able to handle the wear and tear that professional sports players endure on a constant basis.

While professional athletes do a lot on their own to perform at the highest levels, they are also helped by many sports medicine and exercise science professionals who are able to keep them on the field, court, ice, track, or swimming pool despite the punishment their bodies are frequently exposed to.

High-profile athletes such as Serena Williams, Ronaldo and Tom Brady tend to have an army of medical professionals ready to render treatment so that these sports stars can continue to perform and entertain us. Below are three professionals whose work is crucial in this regard.

Athletic Trainers

Many famous pro athletes have turned athletic trainers due to their intimate knowledge of the sports they played. They usually return to school to learn more about sports medicine; however, some of the best trainers have focused solely in their field without having participated in a professional capacity.

In 2011, Sue Falsone made history as the first woman named to the position of head trainer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ariko Iso previously made headlines as the first female trainer in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. These two teams went on to enjoy winning seasons under the supervision and care of these trainers. Read the rest of this entry →