9781422285268

for players still recovering from an injury. Sports medicine also goes beyond an athlete’s physical well-being. Sometimes athletes, especially younger ones, see the team trainer as someone they can come to with personal

problems or ask about health issues not related to their sport. Says UConn’s Howard, “You’re that trusted medical resource.” And for athletes strugglingwith a loss of confidence or other mental issues, sports psychologists are available to help. Dr. Sean Richardson, a leading sports psychologist, summed up the job for the Web site Careers in Psychology: “You’re trying to help them deal with things in their life that may be holding them back from achieving higher performance.” No matter what their specific job is, sports medicine experts share two traits: They love sports, and they care about the athletes they treat.

Athletes of all kinds— professional or amateur— can benefit from working with a professional physical therapist to make sure workouts are done risk free.

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