PT POWERS THE SUMMER OLYMPICS How Physical Therapists Help Keep the Games Running
Here’s a secret for you: Behind every Olympic athlete is a fantastic physical therapist — and sometimes more than one. When you tune in to the Summer Olympic Games this month, odds are you won’t see any PTs on your TV screen, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They’re likely just out of sight! It takes an invisible team of hundreds of medical professionals to keep Team USA running, swimming, and cycling. That includes PTs, physicians, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and massage therapists. These experts help keep the athletes in peak condition so they can win gold medals. Here’s a snapshot of how physical therapy in particular keeps the games going. TREATMENT AT HOME The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) operates three sports medicine clinics at U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lake Placid, New York; and Chula Vista, California. Internationally famous medical professionals staff these clinics and work with Olympic athletes to further their training year-round. They
use the latest equipment and techniques, including everything from musculoskeletal ultrasounds to hydrotherapy, anti-gravity treadmills, and 3D motion analysis systems. HAVE PT, WILL TRAVEL For each Olympic Games, the U.S. Olympic Committee hand-picks a group of roughly 30 health care professionals to travel with Team USA to wherever the games are being held. These experts, including PTs, are on call 24/7 for all of the athletes’ needs, and literally hold the athletes’ health in their hands. Just ask Olympian freestyle skiers Devin Logan and Ashley Caldwell or short track speedskater J.R. Celski, all of whom have experienced serious injuries that required intensive rehab to overcome. THE ROLE OF AN OLYMPIAN’S THERAPIST Physical therapists are an essential part of an Olympian’s medical team before, during, and after the games. During training, PTs help athletes with injury prevention and ensure they recover fully from
any minor aches and pains that could inhibit their performance. If they’re injured, the PT will work day in and day out to help them recover. After the games, athletes turn to PTs to rehabilitate them from the wear and tear of competition.
MEXICAN CORN SALAD Don’t let the long ingredient list scare you. This summer salad celebrates in-season veggies and herbs and comes together quickly.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 cups of fresh corn, cut from 5 cobs • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 red onion, diced • 6 green onions, chopped • 1 jalapeno, diced • 1/2 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
• • • • • • •
1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp sour cream 2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
DIRECTIONS
1. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until corn starts to char. 2. Add the corn to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and stir together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. 3. The salad pairs well with grilled entrees and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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