Pointers on Treating Professional Athletes

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Q: What are the most important considerations in getting professional athletes safely back to play?

A: Jennifer Gerres, DPM, cites the importance of effective and clear communication amongst the athlete, the medical professionals, athletic training staff, and coaching staff. She will treat injuries aggressively but has to set realistic expectations.
 
In the WNBA, because rosters are limited, Dr. Gerres says if a player has an injury that requires an extended period of not playing—not just one or two games, but out for a period of weeks—a player may be signed to a hardship contract so the league can replace the injured player. As she says, the professional athlete has access to unlimited modalities to reduce muscle loss and keep endurance during an injury.
 
In addition, Dr. Gerres notes the athletic trainer is crucial to keeping staff updated on the progress—sometimes she will go to practice (or have video sent) to watch the player as she is returning to certain aspects of the sport. She is then able to see how the athlete reacts to unexpected movements as balance and proprioception are important to prevent further lower extremity injury.
 
“Even so, the athlete’s perception of their progress is key in making the determination in return to play because if they are hesitant, they will play hesitant and may compensate, which increases injury risk,” says Dr. Gerres, who practices in Silver Spring, MD. 

Q: What are the most important considerations in preventing injury in professional athletes?

A: Identification of past injury is crucial, says Dr. Gerres. How was that injury treated? Was it treated through surgery? If a player has a history of ankle sprains, she says they may require taping or bracing during the games.
 
“Orthotics, orthotic modification, and shoe modification are all things I’ve done in the past,” says Dr. Gerres. “Even little things, like a silicone toe sleeve or cap, can prevent nail injury, which may take a player out of a game.”

Q: What are some unique challenges in treating professional athletes?

A: “We’re not just treating the athlete, but we’re working with the sports agent, the athlete’s family, the athletic trainers, the other medical professionals, and the coaching staff,” says Dr. Gerres. “There are many moving parts to get the athlete to return to play.”
 
The WNBA season runs from May to October and sometimes her sessions are interrupted by international play. Dr. Gerres says the amount of playing time can be very different and a player who had limited playing time in the WNBA may be playing the majority of all four quarters in an international game. She notes this can lead to stress injuries and can change the dynamics of the team when the player returns.

Q: What do you want listeners to take from your session?

A: Despite the challenges and sacrifice it is rewarding.