Athletic Training Lab

This lab allows up to 24 students to learn and apply various skills related to the allied healthcare profession of Athletic Training. The space is equipped with various forms of therapeutic modalities, which include:

• Electrical Stimulation (NMES & TENS) - Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) delivers controlled electrical impulses to stimulate motor nerves, eliciting muscle contractions to improve recruitment and strength. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) targets sensory nerves to decrease pain transmission or encourage the release of pain-reducing neurotransmitters.
• Phototherapy - LASER or light probes use targeted red and near-infrared light absorbed by the body to potentially increase cellular energy production or reduce inflammatory markers.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound - Therapeutic ultrasound delivers high-frequency sound waves into deep tissue, which are converted into heat energy to increase deep tissue temperature and collagen extensibility.
• Hydrocollator Packs (Moist Heat) - Hydrocollator packs deliver superficial heat, raising skin and subcutaneous tissue temperatures, which may increase blood flow and metabolic rate, reduce pain or muscle guarding/spasms, and increase tissue extensibility.
• Whirlpool - Whirlpools may provide cold or hot treatments combined with mechanical hydromassage. The effects are similar to moist heat packs or cryotherapy treatments depending on the selected temperature. The hydrostatic pressure may help remove swelling and water buoyancy unloads joint stress during movement.
• Cryotherapy Options (Ice bags/Ice Massage) - Cryotherapy applies cold to lower tissue temperature, which may cause vasoconstriction to decrease blood flow, reduce nerve conduction velocity for acute pain relief, and lower cellular metabolic rate.

There are also four taping stations where students practice taping and bracing techniques intended to provide additional joint support prior to athletic activity or following an injury. The lab also consists of 12 treatment tables that provide a space for students to practice orthopedic and general medical assessment skills.