For the Northern Kentucky community, getting outdoors for sports games and fitness activities are a highlight of the warm weather months.
But what happens when those summer plans are derailed by an injury? The St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine department is here to help.
“Our sports medicine professionals assist with traditional student-athletes and also meet the needs of the general population,” says Scott Helton, Certified Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “We’re here for everyone, whether you’re a weekend golfer, marathon runner or high school sports team captain.”
Full Continuum of Sports Medicine Care
The experts at St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine offer the full continuum of care for the Northern Kentucky community. Our certified athletic trainers work on-site with students at local middle and high schools, assisting with injury prevention strategies and acute injury care.
When a student is injured, the Athletic Trainers work closely with Physical Therapists and Sports Medicine Physicians to determine the appropriate next steps for the patient.
“We all work together to help get our student-athletes back into the game,” says Scott. “It’s a cycle of teamwork. Our athletic trainers refer the injured athlete to the appropriate Sports Medicine Physician. The physician evaluates the student and makes a recommendation for treatment, and our Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers work closely together on the student’s rehabilitation.”
The entire Sports Medicine team works together to evaluate when a patient is ready to get back on the court or playing field.
Sports Physicals: We’ve Got You Covered
The Sports Medicine team also performs annual sports physicals for student-athletes, which is required annually by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
“We do a thorough orthopaedic exam to assess the student-athlete’s readiness for sports participation,” says Scott. “In addition to reviewing main medical components, our team focuses on evaluating the student through the lens of safely competing in sports.”
It’s important to note that the sports physical does not take the place of an annual well-visit with the student’s pediatrician or primary care physician, who will discuss the student’s overall wellness, vaccines, mental health and other safety concerns.
Take advantage of the more relaxed summer schedule and take care of your student’s annual well visit and sports physical while they’re off school.
Free Sports Physical Clinics for Student-Athletes
Student-athletes are invited to participate in the upcoming sports physical event. It’s free to student-athletes and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis – no appointment needed.
A fall event is scheduled for Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine location in Edgewood (560 South Loop Road, Edgewood, KY 41017).
The event is sponsored by the Orthopaedic Institute at St. Elizabeth: a partnership between St. Elizabeth Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Physicians and OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.
There is no charge for the event; however, all athletes must bring a KHSAA sports physical form to the clinic. This form needs to be completed and signed by a parent.
Learn more about our free sports physicals through the Orthopaedic Institute at St. Elizabeth.
For anyone who cannot make it to the fall event, the St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine department offers sports physicals year-round by appointment for $25. Call the office at (859) 301-5600 to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
