Ep 13: Sideline Savvy: Emergency Response in Sports with Ann Degrey, PT, DPT, SCS, EMR

11/11/24 • 41 min

In this episode, we dive into the high-stakes world of emergency response in sports with Ann Degrey, a seasoned sports physical therapist and emergency medical responder. Ann shares her real-world experiences working on the sidelines of major sporting events, where split-second decisions can make all the difference for an athlete’s safety. We explore the unique challenges and high-pressure situations she faces in the field, from legal and ethical dilemmas to the critical skills needed for swift action.
Ann also introduces her comprehensive ERA certification course designed specifically for physical therapists looking to become certified emergency medical responders for athletes. Plus, she discusses her role as an adjunct professor, preparing the next generation of sports physical therapists. Whether you’re a sports PT, an aspiring emergency responder, or simply curious about the demands of sideline care, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a vital but often overlooked side of sports therapy.
Ready to elevate your career in sports physical therapy? Join our IO Sports Therapy Education Community, where you’ll gain access to expert mentorship, monthly sports research discussions, and a library of courses—CEU approved and beyond—all designed to empower your growth and impact in the field. Don’t miss out on the tools and support to take your career to the next level!
https://brian-schwabe-dpt.teachable.com/p/io-sports-therapy-free-resources

Want more from Ann? Check out her comprehensive EMR course and community here: https://www.dptann.com/

For more episodes and sports physical therapy content check out our IO Sports Therapy Education platform, including our free resources and free community.
https://brian-schwabe-dpt.teachable.com/p/io-sports-therapy-free-resources

Previous Episode

Ep 12: Inside the Draft: Optimizing NFL Prospects as a Sports PT w/ Matt Miller, PT, DPT, SCS

In today's episode Matt Miller, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS dives deep into the NFL Draft process behind the scenes working as a sports physical therapist.
Episode Details
1. Introduction: Setting the Stage
Brief overview of the episode and what listeners can expect.
Introduction to the NFL Draft process and the importance of physical therapy for draft prospects.
2. Athlete On-Boarding Process
Detailed discussion of how athletes are brought into the program.
Initial assessments: identifying strengths, weaknesses, and injury history.
Setting goals: how physical therapy is tailored to each athlete's needs and draft aspirations.
3. Day-to-Day Challenges and Adjustments
Overview of the daily routines and the challenges faced during training.
How physical therapists adapt to each athlete's progress and setbacks.
The importance of flexibility and responsiveness in the physical therapy process.
4. Collaboration with Performance Coaches
The role of communication between physical therapists and performance coaches.
Strategies to mitigate injuries and keep athletes in peak condition.
Balancing the push for performance with the need for recovery.
5. The NFL Combine: Preparation and Execution
What it takes to prepare an athlete for the NFL Combine.
Day-to-day life as a performance physical therapist during Combine week.
Real-time adjustments and last-minute preparations to ensure athletes perform at their best.
6. A Day in the Life: The Week of the NFL Combine
A deep dive into the typical day during the Combine week.
Managing stress, staying focused, and ensuring athletes are mentally and physically ready.
Behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes environment of the NFL Combine.

Next Episode

Ep 14: Skating To Success: John Lencioni’s Journey to NHL Sports Physical Therapist

In this episode we talk with John Lencioni, a sports residency trained physical therapist, who shares his journey from environmental science to becoming the physical therapist for the Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey team. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, resilience, and lifelong learning in the field of sports physical therapy. John was also a former aide of Ross Nakaji, who is a co-founder of IO Sports Therapy Education!

Takeaways

The journey of a sports physical therapist from environmental science to working with an NHL team
The role of mentorship and resilience in the success of a sports physical therapist
The importance of lifelong learning and staying up-to-date in the field of sports physical therapy

Sound Bites

"Invest in yourself, invest in yourself. Figure out the pathways, figure out the tips and tricks of people who are already doing what you're doing or who are doing what you want to do."
"Invest in the process and not just constantly think about the destination. Being invested in the process and staying with the process, I think that resilience really will help students kind of be successful."

Chapters

00:00
The Journey of a Sports Physical Therapist

03:36
Mentorship and Resilience in Sports Physical Therapy

13:34
A Day in the Life of an NHL Physical Therapist

22:35
Traits and Resources for Aspiring Sports Physical Therapists

27:18
Lifelong Learning and Success in Sports Physical Therapy