Injury Prevention
The VCU Injury Prevention Program focuses on non-office work environments and job activities, applying the Sports Medicine Model to musculoskeletal discomfort incidents, injuries and first aid. The program makes available body mechanics-based guidance, training and consultations free of charge for all VCU employees. Consultations are provided by a certified athletic trainer for injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Certified athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who render service or treatment. As a part of the health care team, services provided by athletic trainers focus on musculoskeletal injury reduction by providing preventative stretches and exercises, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation.
| Proactive Injury Prevention & Ergonomics | Early Intervention | Rehabilitation & Return to Work |
|---|---|---|
| On-site risk assessments to identify hazards, offer ergonomic solutions and training options to teach proper body mechanics and recovery exercises. | On-site assessment and care for non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Early treatment and/or medical referral has proven to reduce recovery time and allow the employee to return to normal activity sooner. | Continued on-site therapeutic exercise programming can help address extended recovery periods to ensure safe return to work and normal activity. |
The Injury Prevention Team is available to provide consultation and therapeutic intervention related to non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries. Complete the Injury Prevention Appointment Request Form to schedule a consultation or check availability here.
What can an athletic trainer do for injuries and other conditions?
The athletic trainer provides primary injury evaluation and immediate care; gives referrals to the worker’s compensation physician, private physician or healthcare provider; expedites physician visits; develops a medical care plan with the physician and/or healthcare provider; administers rehabilitation and reconditioning; monitors the progress of the employee; and administers physical performance tests to advise physicians on duty status.
What kind of care does the athletic trainer provide for work and non-work related conditions?
- Immediate injury assessment and general medical care
- Cryo-therapy
- Thermo-therapy
- Prescriptive exercise program
- Recommendations for appropriate braces
- Concussion management and education
- And more
What happens if an employee is injured while on duty at work?
- Report the injury to the employee’s supervisor.
- Complete an injury report via the VCU Online Injury Reporting Portal.
- For all emergent injuries, go to the emergency room.
- For non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries, contact the athletic trainer for self-care recommendations and follow-up.
- Contact the athletic trainer for assistance in caring for the injury, seeing a physician, etc.
What happens if an employee is injured while off duty?
- If the injury affects the employee’s ability to complete their job, report the injury to their supervisor.
- Call the athletic trainer for assistance for non-emergent injuries.
- The athletic trainer can work with the employee's private physician to provide rehabilitation, if necessary.
What is the education, training and regulations for athletic trainers?
Athletic trainers must have a master’s degree from an accredited program, pass a National Board of Certification test to be “Athletic Trainer Certified” and be licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine. Athletic trainers are held to established regulatory standards codified in Virginia State law.
What is the difference between an athletic trainer and a personal trainer?
Athletic trainers are sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large difference in the education, skillset, job duties and clients of an athletic trainer and a personal trainer.
A summary of the athletic trainer profession is available here.
Contact us
For information and assistance, contact Brett Shugrue, certified athletic trainer, at shugruebw@vcu.edu or occsafety@vcu.edu.