Athletic Trainer vs Physical Therapist

For Athletes: Athletic Trainer vs Physical Therapist

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Imagine learning your child was found unconscious on a trail during a cross-country meet. Or seeing a high school football player fracture and dislocate his ankle at the same time, almost rotating it 180 degrees in the opposite direction. You’d want the best medical care on the scene — and stat. And treatment followed by the best rehab care to get your student-athlete healthy and back up to speed. In most school districts across the country, certified athletic trainers serve a critical role in providing emergency care for acute illness and sports-related injuries, according to Eric Armstrong, a physical therapist assistant at Ivy Rehab’s clinic in Roxbury, New Jersey. Below we’ll discuss the differences between an athletic trainer vs physical therapist, as well as the important role each plays in sports medicine.

Dual role as an athletic trainer and physical therapy assistant

Armstrong has dual credentials as a licensed and certified athletic trainer and also as a licensed physical therapy assistant.  As an athletic trainer, Eric has responded to the above scenarios in real life, but after a decade as an athletic trainer, he now serves a more specialized role as a rehabilitation expert. Along with providing sports physical therapy with Ivy Rehab, he also continues to provide on-site athletic training services to the local community and high schools.

“My training in emergency care of sports injuries and conditions allowed me to determine that she was stable and everything would be fine,” he says of the unconscious cross-country runner who had an undiagnosed heart valve condition. But it was a scary situation that illustrates the serious medical issues athletic trainers must be ready to evaluate and treat.

Key Differences Between Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists

Athletic trainers and physical therapists play crucial roles for athletes, but their responsibilities and areas of expertise differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions can help you identify the right professional for your specific needs, whether it’s immediate injury care or long-term rehabilitation.

Athletic Trainers

By definition, athletic trainers “are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions,” according to NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association).

Athletic trainers are frontline responders in sports medicine. They handle acute injuries and manage on-the-spot emergencies. For example, they may triage injuries, stabilize fractures, or address concussions until further medical help is available. Their expertise extends to monitoring recovery, ensuring athletes don’t return to their sport prematurely and risk further injury.

They also play a proactive role in injury prevention. By educating athletes about warning signs of concussions and orthopedic issues, they help reduce the occurrence of serious injuries. These professionals also collaborate closely with parents, coaches, and the greater medical community to create a safer sports environment.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in helping patients recover after an injury, focusing on restoring mobility, strength, and functionality. They often specialize in orthopedics or sports physical therapy, providing tailored recovery plans for athletes who have undergone surgery or need extensive rehabilitation.

PTs are recognized as the primary providers for rehab services by insurance companies, which differentiates their scope of work from athletic trainers. While athletic trainers handle immediate care, physical therapists take over for structured, long-term rehabilitation.

Education and Certification Requirements

Both athletic trainers and physical therapists undergo rigorous education and certification processes to ensure they can provide the highest level of care. Athletic trainers typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in athletic training and are certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer. Their training emphasizes emergency care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

Physical therapists, on the other hand, must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which includes extensive coursework in biomechanics, kinesiology, and patient care. They must also pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to become licensed practitioners. This advanced training allows PTs to handle more complex rehabilitation cases and tailor long-term recovery plans.

Common Overlaps in Care

While athletic trainers and physical therapists have distinct roles, their work often overlaps in areas like post-injury recovery and athlete monitoring. For example, both professionals may develop conditioning programs to strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of re-injury. They may also collaborate on return-to-play protocols, ensuring that athletes regain full functionality before stepping back into competition.

In some cases, athletic trainers may assist with early rehab exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist, particularly when an athlete’s condition requires ongoing attention. This synergy ensures that athletes receive well-rounded care tailored to their unique needs.

Why the Collaboration Matters

The relationship between athletic trainers and physical therapists is essential for comprehensive athlete care. Athletic trainers often refer athletes to physical therapists when injuries require more specialized rehab. In turn, physical therapists keep athletic trainers updated on progress, ensuring seamless coordination in an athlete’s recovery journey.

Key benefits of this collaboration include:

  • Athletic trainers gain more time for on-field responsibilities.
  • PTs address lingering injuries or provide second opinions for concerned parents.
  • A team-based approach ensures optimal care for the athlete.

As a physical therapy assistant, Armstrong tries to keep in touch with school athletic trainers as needed. He encourages his patients who are student-athletes to work with their school’s athletic trainer when they don’t have physical therapy, whether it’s just stretching or light strengthening.

As an athletic trainer, Armstrong always appreciated when PTs would keep him updated on the progress of an injured athlete. Athletic trainers also can be a good resource for parents looking for a referral when a physician orders physical therapy.

“The athletic trainer, physical therapist, and physician all kind of work together as a team,” he says. “I reach out to the athletic trainer and let them know what we’re doing; we approach it as a team environment to get them (student-athlete) back to their optimal performance.”

When to See an Athletic Trainer or Physical Therapist

Deciding whether to seek help from an athletic trainer or a physical therapist depends on the nature of the injury and the care needed. If your athlete experiences an acute injury during a game or practice, an athletic trainer is often the first responder who can assess the situation and provide immediate care.

However, for injuries that require ongoing support for recovery after surgery, a sports physical therapist is the best choice. They can develop comprehensive rehab plans to address specific issues, such as restoring range of motion, building strength, and preventing future injuries. 

Both professionals are invaluable in their respective roles, but knowing when to consult each can make a significant difference in recovery.

Unique Roles in Sports Medicine

Athletic trainers and physical therapists have distinct responsibilities, but both contribute significantly to an athlete’s health and performance.

If your child has sustained an athletic injury or your sports team needs dedicated care, contact your local Ivy Rehab Network clinic. They can connect you with both athletic trainers and physical therapists to support your athlete’s journey.

Article by: Holly Lookabaugh-Deur, PT, DSc, GCS, CEEAA

Ivy Rehab 

Holly is a practicing physical therapist, partner and Director of Clinical Services at Ivy Rehab Network with more than 40 years of experience in sports management with young athletes, and is board certified as a geriatric clinical specialist and certified exercise expert for aging adults. Deuer is certified as an aquatic and oncology rehabilitation specialist and serves as adjunct faculty at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.


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