The Boulder Center for Sports Medicine has a treatment team of physicians, physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, certified massage therapists, physiologists, nutritionists, and exercise specialists trained in Pilates exercise.  Each staff member is an expert in their own field.  We feel that we can evaluate our clients and design the most appropriate and most beneficial treatment plan for each individual client, using the various staff members or “disciplines” available.  Our clients don’t have to go to several different clinics in town to access the various services that would help them in their recovery process.  And, since the center has 15 physicians on staff who spend time here in our clinic, we have excellent communication among members of the treatment team.

What is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a highly skilled rehabilitation specialist and licensed health care provider who can evaluate and treat musculo-skeletal and neurological injuries.  Physical therapists have extensive education and training in various types of “hands on” evaluation and treatment techniques.  All licensed physical therapists graduate from accredited physical therapy programs with either a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate level degree.  Their clinical education includes a background in human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology and all types of exercise.  All physical therapists upgrade their education level each year with seminars to keep abreast of the latest information and treatment techniques.  Sports medicine and orthopedics are just two of the many areas in which PTs can specialize.

What is a Certified Athletic Trainer?

A certified athletic trainer is a highly skilled and nationally certified health care provider.  ATCs work with physicians and other allied health professionals to provide medical care, both acute and chronic, for all levels of athletes from high school to professional.  Athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor of science degree, usually in athletic training.  Athletic trainers study human anatomy, human psychology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition and sport psychology.  ATCs undergo extensive training in clinical and professional settings.   This training allows the athletic trainer to care for and treat injuries ranging from acute ankle sprains to a surgically repaired ACL.  A large focus of the athletic trainer is prevention of injuries and overall conditioning of the athlete. 

What is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist?

A certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) possesses the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for athletes, often in a team setting.  The certification is achieved by passing a national certification examination through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Ongoing continuing education must be completed to maintain this certification.  Many physical therapists and athletic trainers that work in sports medicine settings complete CSCS training.

What is a Massage Therapist?

A massage therapist is a health care practitioner trained in the assessment and treatment of soft tissue injuries.  Certified massage therapists graduate from accredited massage therapy programs which usually require a minimum of several hundred hours of hands on training and can then go through a national certification process.  Massage and soft tissue work can increase circulation, reduce adhesions and increase range of motion, promote flexibility and relaxation, reduce pain and muscle soreness and speed recovery of injuries.