Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Name That Condition
Player is a 17yr. old male, participating sport is football. He reported to the Athletic Training Room complaining of an irritating bump that hasn't been bothering him, but it just has not resolved in the past few days, and just wanted to have it checked out. Upon initial examination, player had been treated it just simply by covering it with a band-aid and ointment. The scabbed-over marks are reportedly from turf burns. The site of the lump is along the medial joint line on the right knee. There is also an additional bump (picture 3) just proximal to the knee cap, about 1cm in diameter on the same leg. Player reported no increase in size, no change in temperature, it hasn't "raised" and has been mostly flat. This is the only site in which bumps exist.
On the surface of the furuncle, there are approximately 8 to 9 small crusted spots (picture 1) that were "poked" by his grandmother with a sharp pin, and then covered with Neosporin and a band-aid. There was no drainage of any fluid, but since, the site has become very tender to touch. Inspection of the site reveals a rigid surface, moves easily when shifted with examiners' fingers, painful when pressed, slightly moist, and noticeable elevated temperature when compared to surrounding skin. Player does not remember having any recent cuts or scrapes other than the turf burn, and has not reported any associated fevers.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wound Care
No, I didn't crash another motorcycle, although the product looks very similar. This athlete suffered abrasions to the forearm as a result of a skateboard crash, with additional wounds to the hip and hands. The wound site at the hip is by far the worst, or the deepest, with burns through the dermis layer. Athlete is being treated with silver sulfadiazine cream, which is used to treat severe burns, and standard bandages/dressings. Athlete is instructed to wash/rinse nightly with soap and water, and apply new dressings every day.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
My Athletic Training Room
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| Desk/Work Area |
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| View upon entrance, badly needs some banners |
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| Treatment table and taping station, also some storage underneath |
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| Supply area |
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| Tables and small corner for storing coolers |
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| Ice machine and workout area, also a sink in the corner |
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| Alternate view of desk. Ceilings about about 15' |
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Last Hurrah
This is a post dedicated to Upward Bound, a federally funded college-prep program for high school kids that is designed to increase their chances of success in higher education. There is so much I can say about this program, but first, it saddens me to come to the realization that this past Summer is very, very likely my last time being involved with this Program in this capacity.
Just to put things into perspective, of how significant this program is, I personally, owe all of my success to my involvement with this program during my high school years. All of it! In one way or another, whether direct or indirect, my personal successes can be traced back to Upward Bound, or someone in Upward Bound. It's true!
I have to say, the last five Summers I have been a Resident Advisor for Upward Bound, has been one helluva learning experience! Especially, I have learned a lot of about myself, and how I relate not just with high school students, but other human beings. So, so serious! There is absolutely not enough time and space for me to write about everything I have done or learned during my time with this Program, also because there are minors involved with this program so I can't name their identities, but all I have to say is, this place has had a huge effect on my development as a person and I can't thank the people, supporters, and families of the program. It's really too much to say, and would take me an eternity to give thanks -- at least, the type of thanks I want to.
But I have come to the point where all great things end, and now I must take my place in what Upward Bound essentially was designed to create for me - the very existence and life the program visions for its students. There are things about the program I agree with, as well as disagree with, but overall, if those who are in charge of the program remain true to its identity without straying too far from the system that is known to work, I think it will be fine. I think I had a lot to offer the Program as a student and as a staff member, but I know I could not become too attached for fear of not becoming what I initially got into the program to become - which is a working professional. Otherwise, I could see myself in a leader position with the program, especially after Director Wayne Kitchen and Director Janice Dirden-Cook have had their influences on me. I feel strongly for the program, but that just was not my calling.
I will miss the program, and I will definitely seek out other ways to be involved with it because I believe so strongly in the program, but as far as the capacity in which I have been involved in the past, that's all folks...
Farewell
Just to put things into perspective, of how significant this program is, I personally, owe all of my success to my involvement with this program during my high school years. All of it! In one way or another, whether direct or indirect, my personal successes can be traced back to Upward Bound, or someone in Upward Bound. It's true!
I have to say, the last five Summers I have been a Resident Advisor for Upward Bound, has been one helluva learning experience! Especially, I have learned a lot of about myself, and how I relate not just with high school students, but other human beings. So, so serious! There is absolutely not enough time and space for me to write about everything I have done or learned during my time with this Program, also because there are minors involved with this program so I can't name their identities, but all I have to say is, this place has had a huge effect on my development as a person and I can't thank the people, supporters, and families of the program. It's really too much to say, and would take me an eternity to give thanks -- at least, the type of thanks I want to.
But I have come to the point where all great things end, and now I must take my place in what Upward Bound essentially was designed to create for me - the very existence and life the program visions for its students. There are things about the program I agree with, as well as disagree with, but overall, if those who are in charge of the program remain true to its identity without straying too far from the system that is known to work, I think it will be fine. I think I had a lot to offer the Program as a student and as a staff member, but I know I could not become too attached for fear of not becoming what I initially got into the program to become - which is a working professional. Otherwise, I could see myself in a leader position with the program, especially after Director Wayne Kitchen and Director Janice Dirden-Cook have had their influences on me. I feel strongly for the program, but that just was not my calling.
I will miss the program, and I will definitely seek out other ways to be involved with it because I believe so strongly in the program, but as far as the capacity in which I have been involved in the past, that's all folks...
Farewell
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Personal Reflections
After spending the last two days in airports, and my mom almost getting arrested by security, I have finally had time to reflect upon the last two years of my life. Initially, this blog was created to chronicle my life on the road from California to Texas, and eventually becoming an Athletic Trainer. Now that all that has been satisfied, I wondered to myself, if I should no longer post on this blog. Even though it's over, I didn't want to say goodbye to this blog. It was originally titled "Your Homie, Athletic Trainer," but once I got Certified, I figured it should be a little more professional, and certainly the description of the blog changed from "my journey to become a Certified Athletic Trainer," to my whatever the description says now -- I forget. Bu as for the blog itself, I felt I should continue to post as a means of getting information out about our profession, or just as a method of personal release because I know I have an interesting journey ahead of me; and it will get better with each and every day.
It's a little wild to look back upon the first entries of this blog. It feels like such a long time ago. I still remember the day this idea came to me, and how I wanted to make this a journey I would never forget. It was while I was still working with Chabot College, and I was still in the process of applying to Graduate school. Needless to say, I am glad I did this. I love the fact that I did it, and will cherish the memories I have - those posted here, and those that aren't.
As for what's in store for me now, only thing left to do is find an Athletic Training job. In the meantime, I will work with USF's Upward Bound Program which is just a temporary Summer position, but it should hold me over until I find a career-fulfilling position.
I am certainly excited about my future, and I also must admit, this whole becoming an adult thing can be scary at times, but what has gotten me through so far, is thinking about all the fun I will have doing whatever I want to do, when I want to do it. That there, folks, is what freedom is all about. And if you ask me, there is no feeling like the feeling of freedom.
See you guys at the Finish Line...
It's a little wild to look back upon the first entries of this blog. It feels like such a long time ago. I still remember the day this idea came to me, and how I wanted to make this a journey I would never forget. It was while I was still working with Chabot College, and I was still in the process of applying to Graduate school. Needless to say, I am glad I did this. I love the fact that I did it, and will cherish the memories I have - those posted here, and those that aren't.
As for what's in store for me now, only thing left to do is find an Athletic Training job. In the meantime, I will work with USF's Upward Bound Program which is just a temporary Summer position, but it should hold me over until I find a career-fulfilling position.
I am certainly excited about my future, and I also must admit, this whole becoming an adult thing can be scary at times, but what has gotten me through so far, is thinking about all the fun I will have doing whatever I want to do, when I want to do it. That there, folks, is what freedom is all about. And if you ask me, there is no feeling like the feeling of freedom.
See you guys at the Finish Line...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Knee Arthroscopy Rehab Protocol - Phase 3
This phase of the rehab is the step prior to the final phase. The final phase is simply returning the athlete to play, and making sure they are comfortable enough to go out and perform closely to the level they performed prior to injury. This phase mainly consist of a lot of conditioning (sprints, running on the track), the introduction of plyometrics, power/explosive movements, mastering the exercises we've previously introduced and combining multiple exercises, and lastly, functional drills that would mimic basketball moves, or the athletes' respective sport. At this point, it is all about confidence, and regaining the athletes' trust in themselves. This is a tricky step, in the sense that every person is different in their exercise adaptation, however, keep in mind, that it is a slow process, and different people will progress at their own pace. Fortunately with collegiate athletes, you are allowed more time per session, but this is not always the case in other settings.
1. Step Down (3 x 12) - Depending on the conditioning level of your patient/athlete, this can be a tricky exercise. In this specific case, considering his knee, he was placed near a wall for concerns of him falling over, or needing extra support in the event he felt instability. The athlete starts with one leg over the side of the platform, and upon partially squatting with the affixed leg, the hanging leg is to touch the ground with the heel as the only part of the foot making contact. Concurrently, in this case, the athlete mimics a chest pass with a medicine ball (see picture). The addition of the upper body movement forces the lower extremity to work more towards balancing the whole body.
2. Step Ups (6 x 30 secs) - A commonly used exercise designed to build confidence, speed, coordination, and explosion. This can be progressed in variety of ways from changing the height of the steps, to increasing the duration of the exercise, and adding a combination of toe-touches alternating one foot, to two foot sets, etc. You will find with athletes, they love to be challenged and rewarded, so adding various contests may help them to strive.
3. Drag Squats (5 x each direction) - This is an original exercise performed in three planes; forward, laterally, and "open," which is similar to a reverse lunge, except there is 45 degree rotation in the hips along the vertical axis. Pictured below is an example of a lateral drag squat. Once the player is in start position, they are to lunge out as far as they can tolerate, and from there, drag their foot back to the beginning position. This can be performed with, or without, a medicine ball.
4. Alternate Dead Lifts (3 x 15) - This exercise is performed slowly with the athlete essentially placing the dumbbell on the ground, and then lifting it up, and switching to the other side. It is hard to perform without involving hip flexion, but the only movement should be occurring at the knee. Progress the exercise by adding heavier weight, increasing duration, reps/sets, etc.
5. Hill Climbers (6 x 30secs) - A familiar exercise among athletes who condition or strength train, this variation involves the use of the Dynadisc which secondarily works the upper body, and provides more of an overall challenge. Make sure to recognize if the athlete is driving their knees up and in, and not outward, and also are not bouncing their butts, meaning their back should be mostly flat.
6. Dynadisc Balance (6 x 30secs) - Although this may seem like a relatively easy exercise, it will be extremely difficult for someone with a lower extremity injury. There are various way to work with the Dynadisc, as well as, working with the progression in difficulty (one leg, no shoes, ball-toss, visual impairment, etc.) However, in this particular exercise with this athlete, whom really enjoyed challenges, the goal was for him to stand for :30 secs at a time without falling off. That's it! It's a great way to increase proprioception and balance. The position with the athletes' hip at 90 degrees is the correct position. Below, the athlete is intentionally holding a squat position.
7. Lateral Step Ups (6 x 30 secs) - This specific exercise is to increase the athletes' trust in their ability to shuffle sideways, and it is a great way to build confidence in basketball related moves. A great way to progress this exercise is to remove the visual angle, and instead of concentrating on the placement of their feet, have them look straight ahead of focus on another target. Use this technique only if the individual has mastered all other related exercises and you are confident they are prepared to progress.
8. Med Ball Squats (6 x 30 secs) - Similar to a wall squat, this exercise is performed while the athlete holds their squat position, with any type of ball between their legs proximal to the knee, and squeeze, or prevent the ball from falling. A variation of this exercise we utilized for progression is to add resistance to the object between their legs. In this case, we used a heavier ball. When our patient got really good, and showed good medial quad strength, I would apply pressure to the ball by hitting it from different angles, using varying amounts of strengths.
9. Floor Squats (3 x 12) - Having a relatively easy exercise is a huge benefit for the athlete's psyche, and physically, gives them a break from the more intense exercises. Typically, this exercise is performed after a few more rigorous ones. In the beginning, I like to have the athlete perform the squats in front of a mirror for visual feedback. Once they become good enough, I take away the visual aid, and then, the target becomes (as you can see in the picture) the inner soles of his shoes.
Plyometrics (3 x 15) - Plyometrics are an easy form of exercises to train athletes, and also, they are great for patients who are further along in their respective program. With our athlete being a basketball player, naturally, he wanted to get back to jumping, so this was an obvious drill. We simply used a jump rope and set it at a specific height. Here, he is jumping laterally, but this can be progressed by having them jump in different directions.
Jump Twist - Here, our patient is performing an exercise that will increase confidence using his knee, and help in regaining the specific level of athletic performance that he was used to. The important element here is landing. We want to focus on a controlled landing in which he does not wobble, or come down too hard, all the while working accessory and stabilizing muscles.
Exercise Ball Squats - This is an exercise that focuses on generating power and maintaining stability.
Reverse Total Gym (3 x 15) - This is the only exercise performed with a machine.
All the above exercises are advanced level exercises, in other words, are not recommended for acute injuries, or injuries still in the beginning stages of healing. A thorough evaluation should completed upon initial exercise prescription, also before progressing to more difficult exercises.
1. Step Down (3 x 12) - Depending on the conditioning level of your patient/athlete, this can be a tricky exercise. In this specific case, considering his knee, he was placed near a wall for concerns of him falling over, or needing extra support in the event he felt instability. The athlete starts with one leg over the side of the platform, and upon partially squatting with the affixed leg, the hanging leg is to touch the ground with the heel as the only part of the foot making contact. Concurrently, in this case, the athlete mimics a chest pass with a medicine ball (see picture). The addition of the upper body movement forces the lower extremity to work more towards balancing the whole body.
2. Step Ups (6 x 30 secs) - A commonly used exercise designed to build confidence, speed, coordination, and explosion. This can be progressed in variety of ways from changing the height of the steps, to increasing the duration of the exercise, and adding a combination of toe-touches alternating one foot, to two foot sets, etc. You will find with athletes, they love to be challenged and rewarded, so adding various contests may help them to strive.
3. Drag Squats (5 x each direction) - This is an original exercise performed in three planes; forward, laterally, and "open," which is similar to a reverse lunge, except there is 45 degree rotation in the hips along the vertical axis. Pictured below is an example of a lateral drag squat. Once the player is in start position, they are to lunge out as far as they can tolerate, and from there, drag their foot back to the beginning position. This can be performed with, or without, a medicine ball.
4. Alternate Dead Lifts (3 x 15) - This exercise is performed slowly with the athlete essentially placing the dumbbell on the ground, and then lifting it up, and switching to the other side. It is hard to perform without involving hip flexion, but the only movement should be occurring at the knee. Progress the exercise by adding heavier weight, increasing duration, reps/sets, etc.
5. Hill Climbers (6 x 30secs) - A familiar exercise among athletes who condition or strength train, this variation involves the use of the Dynadisc which secondarily works the upper body, and provides more of an overall challenge. Make sure to recognize if the athlete is driving their knees up and in, and not outward, and also are not bouncing their butts, meaning their back should be mostly flat.
6. Dynadisc Balance (6 x 30secs) - Although this may seem like a relatively easy exercise, it will be extremely difficult for someone with a lower extremity injury. There are various way to work with the Dynadisc, as well as, working with the progression in difficulty (one leg, no shoes, ball-toss, visual impairment, etc.) However, in this particular exercise with this athlete, whom really enjoyed challenges, the goal was for him to stand for :30 secs at a time without falling off. That's it! It's a great way to increase proprioception and balance. The position with the athletes' hip at 90 degrees is the correct position. Below, the athlete is intentionally holding a squat position.
7. Lateral Step Ups (6 x 30 secs) - This specific exercise is to increase the athletes' trust in their ability to shuffle sideways, and it is a great way to build confidence in basketball related moves. A great way to progress this exercise is to remove the visual angle, and instead of concentrating on the placement of their feet, have them look straight ahead of focus on another target. Use this technique only if the individual has mastered all other related exercises and you are confident they are prepared to progress.
8. Med Ball Squats (6 x 30 secs) - Similar to a wall squat, this exercise is performed while the athlete holds their squat position, with any type of ball between their legs proximal to the knee, and squeeze, or prevent the ball from falling. A variation of this exercise we utilized for progression is to add resistance to the object between their legs. In this case, we used a heavier ball. When our patient got really good, and showed good medial quad strength, I would apply pressure to the ball by hitting it from different angles, using varying amounts of strengths.
9. Floor Squats (3 x 12) - Having a relatively easy exercise is a huge benefit for the athlete's psyche, and physically, gives them a break from the more intense exercises. Typically, this exercise is performed after a few more rigorous ones. In the beginning, I like to have the athlete perform the squats in front of a mirror for visual feedback. Once they become good enough, I take away the visual aid, and then, the target becomes (as you can see in the picture) the inner soles of his shoes.
Plyometrics (3 x 15) - Plyometrics are an easy form of exercises to train athletes, and also, they are great for patients who are further along in their respective program. With our athlete being a basketball player, naturally, he wanted to get back to jumping, so this was an obvious drill. We simply used a jump rope and set it at a specific height. Here, he is jumping laterally, but this can be progressed by having them jump in different directions.
Jump Twist - Here, our patient is performing an exercise that will increase confidence using his knee, and help in regaining the specific level of athletic performance that he was used to. The important element here is landing. We want to focus on a controlled landing in which he does not wobble, or come down too hard, all the while working accessory and stabilizing muscles.
Exercise Ball Squats - This is an exercise that focuses on generating power and maintaining stability.
Reverse Total Gym (3 x 15) - This is the only exercise performed with a machine.
All the above exercises are advanced level exercises, in other words, are not recommended for acute injuries, or injuries still in the beginning stages of healing. A thorough evaluation should completed upon initial exercise prescription, also before progressing to more difficult exercises.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Really?..."the best day of your life?"
Dang, that's a small picture? But the news is still BIG...
How many people can honestly say they remember the "best day in their life?" I believe this is mine. If you haven't heard, I passed the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam today. If you're even reading this blog, then I'm pretty sure you already know what I'm talking about, since becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer was the very premise of this whole thing in the first place!
Now that I am reflecting back on it, I am so glad I did this! My mother would occasionally ask me, "do you have any regrets?" in which she'd be referring to the major I chose to study, and the school I chose to attend, etc., and every time, I would respond with a stern "No, I don't have any regrets." However, when she would ask me this, I would sometimes slip into a daydream where I would fantasize about what my life would have been like had I chose a different path.
I always wanted to study music, or be involved with the musical artist/writer scene in some way, and I think those that know me see how that reflects in my personality. I've always said if I couldn't do music, or science, I would love being a Director. Not so much music videos or anything, but more along the lines of short films or documentaries. I think that shows with my sort of love for photography. Why I never pursued these things? Well, I did -- or, I do! I still do all of the things I love to do, which is why my favorite saying is "only boring people get bored." My particular needs are always met. There is never a moment when there is not something I can be doing. Call me "too busy" if you want, but I call it just having fun. Just being me.
When I took the exam back on April 7, 2010, I was nervous as all hell. Admittedly. It is natural to be nervous, as this will potentially decide the course of your future. At least in the short term. Prior to taking the test, the biggest motivation for me was Sean, AJ, and Eric, whom all passed on their first attempts. For the last two years, we've been hearing nothing but how hard the test is, and how the test is set up to weed out the weak, and how it is intentionally designed to trick you, etc. But, I remember the morning when hearing the news that these three guys passed, and I immediately thought, "Hey, I know every bit as much as they do," in the notion that we were taught by the same instructors, read from the same books, exposed to pretty much the same things, etc. It was not so much of me comparing myself to them, it was moreso a cohort that was able to overcome what most people assumed to be the truth about a "test." So, I cracked open the books!
I stuck to a study schedule of 2hrs of straight study, and 1hr of a break, which was mainly video games. Then, 2hrs of some more studying, and yet again, another 1hr of break-time. I kept this schedule during Spring Break -- while most people were on the beach, I was in between the sheets -- of the textbooks, that is! I sacrificed a lot over the last two years. Went through a lot of stuff that many people, except those involved, don't even know about. Not even those closest to me. And I am suddenly overjoyed with such elation, now that I have passed the test. Nice!
As you can tell, I am in a really great mood! Like AJ says, "Life's good," and yes, it feels great to be me right about now. I wish everyone can get a chance to experience the type of unbelievable emotion that I felt once I found out the results. But, before I get too sentimental, I have to gloat a little (as if I wasn't already) and smash on one particular person. I'm not the type to hold grudges, but this moment is especially bitter for none other than USF Professor Gary Stevens, who once advised me to change my major after not performing well on an Anatomy exam. I have heard of things like that happening to other people, maybe in the movies, but I never thought it would happen to me. I couldn't believe this person would say something like that. Until this point, I have never revealed these details, but I held it in just for this moment! And all I have to say to him is, HOW GREAT AM I?
I am certainly proud of where I come from, proud of what I have developed into, proud of what I am; education is truly a gift that no one can ever take from you, and is truly able to lift communities to higher levels. The knowledge I have amassed over the last two years is unmatched and I will never forget the people I've met along the journey, especially my lifetime bros. (and sis) from the c/0 2010. The ride has come to an end, but the fun is just getting started. I hope and pray that I can continue to live as fulfilling of a life as I have been living, especially leading up to this point.
Now in regards to celebration, where is the cake?
-The Dreamer, ATC
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