ATI Physical Therapy Hosts "Kickoff Week"

Each time the athletic trainers of ATI are on the field or court with a team, they never know what they may face—a minor cut, an injured knee or something more serious. For this reason, ATI Physical Therapy hosts an annual “Kickoff Week” prior to the start of each school year. The week-long program is designed to sharpen imperative medical skills with seminars and hands-on instruction, addressing hot topics in the field of sports medicine including concussion management, emergency response, acute injuries, CPR, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A unique feature included in the week’s training is In 2 Minutes or Less!®, an interactive sports emergency management program facilitated by Sports Medicine Concepts, Inc. In simulated true-to-life scenarios, ATI athletic trainers are required to demonstrate proficiency in a range of critical care techniques including: • Repositioning • Assessment of neurological injury • Protection of in-line cervical stabilization • Emergency management of protective athletic equipment • Transfer and preparation for transport of the equipment-laden athlete • Emergency airway management • Delivery of high-quality CPR • Emergency action planning “Our kickoff week is the single most important event we do each year,” said Jason Pequette, Senior Sports Medicine Director at ATI Physical Therapy. “Our athletic trainers are provided with the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on training they need to respond appropriately on the field. The safety of athletes is our top priority, and this week helps to ensure our team is ready to give the highest level of care in any situation.” The athletic trainers of ATI Sports Medicine are certified healthcare professionals who work with athletes at all levels of their sports. Athletic trainers are specialists in the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries. In addition to being present at games and practices to treat acute injuries, athletic trainers work closely with players, coaches, parents and physicians to improve the overall health of athletes and prevent future injuries. Locally, ATI Sports Medicine supports the Joliet Slammers, Joliet Junior College and the high school athletes in Joliet, Lockport, Minooka, Plainfield, Coal City, Morris, Braidwood and Wilmington. Nationally, ATI has over 220 sports medicine affiliations with professional, collegiate, high school and club sport athletic programs. ATI Physical Therapy is one of the largest employers of athletic trainers in the country and is a nationally-recognized orthopedic rehabilitation provider, specializing in research-based physical therapy; hand therapy; work conditioning/hardening; functional capacity evaluations; sports medicine; home health; women's health; and employer worksite solutions. Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, ATI currently operates and manages over 470 clinics in 16 states: Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. For a complete list of ATI’s sports medicine affiliations, clinic locations and services, visit ATIpt.com. For more information about In 2 Minutes or Less!®, visit sportsmedicineconcepts.com.