National Athletic Training Month is held every March in order to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers. These health care professionals in the field of sports medicine specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries among athletes of all ages.

SPARKS, Md. – Several current and former members of the USA Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee were involved in a recently published study that offers consensus recommendations in the event of a suspected spine injury in lacrosse.

The paper, “Prehospital care of suspected spine-injured lacrosse athletes: a systematic search, evidence review, and consensus recommendations,” was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Among the key recommendations coming out of the study:

Sports are so much more than games. Athletes of all ages and levels learn lifelong skills while getting a healthy dose of exercise and endorphins. Participating in team sports can be a great contributor for building good character and good health.

There is always a degree of risk involved with playing sports, such as sprains, strains and concussions. Most sports injuries are minor to moderate. But rare situations that involve the heart can create life-or-death emergencies.

If you’ve had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, you know that the recovery process can feel long and daunting. However, the right approach during recovery can actually get you back to your sport stronger than you were before your injury. By making smart choices about how you’re feeding and moving your body, you can more quickly and safely get back in the game. 

In recognition of National Concussion Awareness Day, USA Lacrosse is pleased to share this valuable information that was developed by our medical partner, MedStar Health. The author, Dr. Karen Laugel, serves as medical director of MedStar Health's Concussion Clinics.

While advocacy regarding mental health should be year-round, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great reminder to athletes of all ages to prioritize mental wellness. From youth athletes to Olympians like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps, discussing mental health in athletics has become an increasingly valuable part of sport performance and overall well-being.

Covering a wide gamut of topics, ranging from overcoming injuries to strength & conditioning, USA Lacrosse’s official medical partner, MedStar Health, has released a new educational podcast series focused on lacrosse sports medicine. The six-part series is available to health professionals and the general public, free of charge.

Rebecca Schumer, PT, DPT, a program specialist with MedStar Health, serves as host for the Let’s Get Physical Therapy podcast series.

MedStar Health serves as the trusted medical provider for USA Lacrosse and the U.S. National Teams. Innovative treatments, professional caregivers, and first-class athlete care define this gold medal partnership that prioritizes player health and safety. 

"We always try to put the athlete first, and MedStar Health does the same. The athlete is at the tip of that pyramid," said Marc Riccio, USA Lacrosse CEO.

Dr. Richard Hinton, medical director of sports medicine at MedStar Health, has been a key figure in the partnership between the organizations since the inception.

As a clinical sports psychologist in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Andrew Wolanin is a leading expert on the mental health of athletes, providing counseling services and interventions for athletes at all levels of competition. Based on his research and direct experiences with athletes, Wolanin understands, as well as anyone, the critical importance of mental health awareness.

“There are so many factors related to the mental health of athletes, ranging from performance anxiety to injuries, from specialization to burnout, and so many other issues in between,” Wolanin said.

As an athlete, an abundant amount of time is focused on training, optimizing various skill development, gaining strength, improving power, and building resilience. As a student-athlete, class attendance is mandatory, requiring a lengthy amount of time sitting. The time spent in a classroom combats the healthy movements performed in sport. Unfortunately, running around for a couple of hours during practices does not negate the 6-8 hours athletes are staying seated during class.