Advanced
Physical Therapy
(APTAK) is a
place for healing
and wellness, well
placed and at
home in Alaska.
At APTAK, the
physical therapists, exercise
specialists, and
massage therapists are some of
the most highly
trained specialists in their fields.
The formalization of the school
business partnership agreement between
Advanced
Physical Therapy of Alaska (APTAK) and
Service High School was was kicked off
after a football game in August. Barbara
Taylor was already working with the
football team and Carlene Hockema,
Service’s Partnership Coordinator,
agreed this would be a great partnership. Valerie Phelps, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT,
the owner of APTAK has been supportive
in allowing the generous use of the clinic
facilities and her staff in this partnership.
Taylor also works with the coaching staff
on injury prevention, post injury management, and taping procedures.
It was impressive to hear when one
of the cheerleaders broke her arm during practice and the girls went running
out of the gym calling for Rachel Stewart
because they felt confident enough in
her skills to take care of the injury. She
has a great relationship and her abilities
are respected by the football players as
well, they would approach Rachel first if
they were hurt or had questions.
Miranda Studstill begs Taylor to help her with taping techniques. Studstill carries tape with her every where she goes and has been know to practice on her family and even her dog. Miranda is currently recruiting friends into the ATC program because she is so excited.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the manager-trainers reflects the success of their newly oriented sports medicine program. Continuation of the program will produce a safer environment for the football players, allow practices and games to run more efficiently, and most importantly, give the students skills and knowledge they can utilize for the rest of their lives. |
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The wrestling coach Luke Duffy used his training to properly tape one of his athletes immediately and following practice, “Coach, that was the best tape job I ever had. Thanks!” Duffy remarked, “If we can keep our athletes protected from injury and repeat injury we are doing something worthwhile.”
The students who are participating in the training informed Hockema that it is hard work. Hockema has attended some of the training classes and the information and training is college level material. Students involved also challenge themselves beyond the partnership, Mercedes Mobley and Rachel Stewart, attended a Pre-Season Athletic Training Summer Camp at Northern Colorado University last summer to compliment what they had learned through APTAK.
Our goal is to grow the program and train more manager- athletic trainers who will be a compliment to our coaching staff.
Service & APT |
Collaborative efforts include the school’s student athletic trainers and their involvement in the training program at APTAK. Taylor instructs a class for student athletic trainers in which she has guest lecturers from APTAK and medical professionals from the community. |
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