With March being National Athletic Training Month (NATM), Athletico Physical Therapy is using the time as an opportunity to provide tips for purchasing and wearing helmets.
NATM is coordinated in conjunction with the National Athletic Training Association. This year’s theme is “Your Protection is Our Priority.”
According to a media release from Athletico, baseball and softball players account for 45% of all facial injuries in common sports. With that in mind, Athletico athletic trainers suggest the following when purchasing a baseball or softball batting helmet:
Obtain the proper helmet size by measuring the circumference of the head, ½ inch to 1 inch above the eyebrow; ensure that the helmet fits snug around the entire head; make sure there are no gaps/spaces between the head and helmet; and do not wear anything under the batter’s helmet, such as a baseball hat.
In addition, line up the ear holes with the athlete’s ears, ensuring the helmet is not sitting too high or low; confirm the athlete is able to see forward and side-to-side without obstruction; and try the helmet on with damp or wet hair to ensure gapping does not occur.
Athletico has also developed helmet fitting tips for football, lacrosse, and hockey.
During NATM, Athletico reports that it will also increase awareness of the athletic trainer profession and showcase their value in working with physical therapists to help prevent and treat injuries.
“Athletic trainers play an important role in keeping people safe and healthy on the athletic field, in clinics and the workplace,” says Mark Kaufman, president and founder of Athletico Physical Therapy, in the release. “These individuals work tirelessly to educate the public on injury prevention and get patients back on their feet when they suffer from injuries.”
[Source(s): Athletico Physical Therapy, PR Newswire]
