Central Oregonian

Crook County High School has new athletic trainer

Physical therapist Paul Westgard began working at CCHS on Thursday

February 07, 2013

One of the biggest concerns in youth athletics is safety.

Recent studies have shown that injuries that once were lightly regarded may have lasting impact. Of particular concern are concussions. Once thought to be largely a football problem, it has become increasingly apparent that athletes in most sports are vulnerable.

As athletes have become bigger and faster, and diagnostic tools have improved, the instances of confirmed concussions have skyrocketed. As a result, researchers have increasingly been looking at ways to both decrease the rate of concussions and improve follow-up care.

In recent years, most larger high schools in Oregon have added athletic trainers to help with the diagnosis and treatment of athletic injuries, including concussions.

Unfortunately, Crook County High School has been without an athletic trainer for the first half of the 2012-2013 school year.

That changed yesterday when Paul Westgard, a physical therapist from Rebound Physical Therapy, stepped in as the new Crook County High School athletic trainer.

Having an athletic trainer on site is critical to providing quality aftercare following injuries. In addition, athletic trainers can help prevent injuries and the immediate care they provide when an injury does occurs can decrease recovery time, allowing athletes to return to action more quickly.

I have not yet had an opportunity to meet Westgard. However, I have the utmost respect for athletic trainers in general.

They work long hours in the evening to ensure that our children have the best possible care.

Athletic trainers are an essential part of modern athletics and no school should be without one.

Crook County’s athletes should be safer and healthier because of the addition.

It’s a shame that because of choices made last year, CCHS was without an athletic trainer for the entire fall, and much of the winter sports season.

A big thank you to Rebound Physical Therapy for stepping in and helping out. Hopefully, this is a relationship that will last for years to come.