Athletic Training

You push your body. You set goals. You don’t back down from a challenge. Whether you’re training for a big game, running your fastest mile or recovering from a demanding job, staying active is a big part of who you are. But even the strongest bodies need support.

At Banner Sports Medicine, our certified athletic trainers help keep you safe, strong and moving. We help prevent injuries, treat them early and guide you through recovery so you can get back to doing what you love, even better than before.

What is athletic training?

Athletic training is a field of health care that helps people who are active. It focuses on preventing injuries, treating them and helping people stay active and healthy. 

Athletic trainers are licensed professionals. They are certified by a national board and licensed by the state. They know how the body works, how to treat injuries and how to help people recover safely. They work with athletes, coaches, physicians and physical therapists to make a care plan that fits your needs.

Athletic trainers don’t just help after an injury. They also focus on injury prevention. They can support you every step of your journey utilizing assisted techniques like taping, soft tissue mobilization (manipulation) and leading rehab programs.

Learn more about our sports medicine team.

Who do athletic trainers help?

Our Banner Sports Medicine athletic trainers work with people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you play on a team or just enjoy staying active, we work with:

• Student-athletes in middle school, high school and college/university
• Club and recreational players
• Professional and elite athletes
• People staying active after an injury
• Sports teams and athletic programs

We also partner with school districts and community groups to offer care at practices, games and events. No matter your sport or skill level, our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger and stay in the game.

What services do athletic trainers offer?

Our athletic trainers offer many services to help you stay healthy and recover faster. Some of the key services we provide include:

• Injury Prevention: We teach athletes about proper form, technique and safe practices to avoid injuries.
• Prevent reinjuries: We use things like taping and training to keep problems from coming back.
• Injury checks: We assess and diagnose injuries like sprains and concussions during games and practice.
• First aid and emergency care: We give CPR and emergency care when necessary.
• Treating injuries: We treat both new and long-term conditions like heat stroke. 
• Team care: We work with physicians and other health care experts to manage your care.
• Rehab programs: We create personalized rehab and reconditioning programs to help you recover and return to activity.

Learn more about how an athletic trainer can support your goals. 

Why choose Banner Sports Medicine?

At Banner Sports Medicine, we give you a full team to help you recover, stay strong and reach your goals. Here’s what makes us different:

• All-in-one care: Our experienced team helps athletes of all levels prevent injuries, support recovery and improve performance. We offer care in areas like orthopedic surgery, primary care, concussion care, mental health, nutrition and rehab.
• Non-surgical treatments: We use safe, non-surgical treatments whenever possible so you can heal quickly.
• Advanced surgery options: If surgery is needed, our skilled surgeons use modern, less invasive methods to help you recover faster. 
• Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center: Our destination sports medicine and high-performance complex focuses on injury prevention, performance optimization and recovery using a team approach with athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength coaches and sports scientists.
• Advanced testing and technology: We use tools like 3D and marker-less motion capture cameras, pitching and hitting analysis and other ways to track your performance.
• Fast recovery: We use recovery methods like soft tissue mobilization, red light therapy, hydrotherapy and other therapeutic approaches like intermittent compression to help you recover quickly and safely. 
• Team-based care: Our team of doctors, physical therapists and sports medicine specialists works together to give you the best care. 
• Leader in research and education: As part of Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, we use evidence-based science to drive patient and athlete treatments for orthopedic and concussion care.

What to expect

Working with our athletic trainers means you’re never alone. From the first visit to your full return to activity, we’re with you every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect:

• We listen: We start by getting to know you - your injury, goals, sport or activity and what matters most to you.
• We plan together: We build a care plan that fits your needs, whether you want to heal, build strength or prevent future injuries.
• We give hands-on support: We help with rehab exercises, taping, bracing and other treatments to help your body recover and perform better.
• We keep you moving forward: We help you get back to your sport or activity with renewed strength and confidence.
• We stay in touch: We talk with your health care provider, coach, school or family to keep your care on track. 

Ready to start?

Ready to get back in the game or stay in it? It’s easy to get started. Athletic training services may be available through a physician referral or as part of an ongoing treatment plan. If you're unsure what you need, we’ll help you figure out next steps.