Sweat, athletic tape adhesive, lotions, and grime can gradually break down vinyl or polyurethane upholstery, making it look worn and less hygienic. Consistent care prevents those issues from taking hold.
As athletic trainers, you’re also the first line of defense when a life-threatening emergency strikes. Ensuring that your AED is fully functional and accessible can make the difference between life and death.
Cryotherapy, more commonly known as icing, has long been considered the gold standard for dealing with inflammation, including the muscle inflammation that occurs following strenuous exercise. However, research has now clearly shown that when cryotherapy and red light therapy are compared to see which one works better to support exercise recovery, red light therapy consistently comes out on top.
Many studies have assessed what happens to sports performance when red and/or near infrared light is applied to muscles. Protocols usually apply red light to muscles prior to exercise – which is called muscular preconditioning. Another approach is to apply light after, rather than before, a sporting event, to support the muscle as it recovers so that it is stronger and more efficient during subsequent exercise.
A recent systematic review compiled and analyzed several clinical trials looking at red light therapy and sports performance and found many positive results, including decreased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as creatine kinase, which is found in muscle cells and is released when cells are damaged. There are several ways in which red light therapy can be used to support exercise recovery, as laid out in this article.
This year’s National Athletic Trainers’ Association theme for 2024 is Athletic Training “From Head to Toe”. NATA continues to spotlight the important work of athletic trainers during National Athletic Training Month (NATM) each March. As a sports medicine supplier, it's important to help recognize and spread awareness about the importance of athletic training as well as share the ways we help support ATs .
