Who are industrial/occupational athletes?

Industrial or occupational athletes are people working in manufacturing plants, light industrial facilities and offices, susceptible to many types of overuse and acute injuries. Most physicians agree that occupational injuries are similar to those incurred by professional or amateur athletes. In fact, the Athletic Training Practice Act describes an “athletic injury” as any injury sustained by an individual that affects the individual’s participation or performance in sports, games, recreation, exercise or other activity that requires physical strength, agility, flexibility, speed, stamina, or range of motion. This includes athletes, industry workers, and the general public who are active.

What is an Industrial/Occupational Certified Athletic
Trainer (ATC)?

Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are allied medical professionals who specialize
in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses that occur to athletes and the
physically active. In the industrail setting, athletic trainers develop and manage programs designed to keep
employees working at full capacity, improving company productivity and even help reduce healthcare and insurance
costs. The industrial/occupational ATC is knowledgeable in the design, implementation, and measurement of injury
prevention, injury reduction, and return to work programs. Certifies athletic trainers are highly qualified, highly
motivated healthcare providers that can help a company achieve its health, safety, and profitability goals.

Watauga Orthopaedics has been synonymous with customized and comprehensive musculoskeletal continuum of
care in Tennessee since 1950. In recent years, the practice has developed a reputation for understanding and
responding to the unique needs of the injured worker and the employer. Watauga Orthopaedics places emphasis on
access to care, timely and complete communication, and consistent cost-effective treatment plans and protocols for
all injured workers, and recognizes that industrial/occupational athletic training programs with certified athletic
trainers can benefit both the worker and the employer.

For more information on Watauga Orthopaedics Industrial/Occupational Therapy services,
contact Jerry Robertson at (423) 282-9011, ext. 375 or email robertsonjl@wtodocs.com