Insights from the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport and the recent NATA’s Bridge Statement on Management of Sport-Related Concussion. As we approach the beginning of football season, we must review our EAPs and the recommendations for the care of our high-contact athletes. As athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals, staying current with the latest guidelines and best practices is crucial for providing the highest standard of care. The 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, held in Amsterdam in October 2022, has brought forth significant advancements in concussion management. This was quickly followed up by updates by the NATA through their bridge statement on the management of sports-related concussion. This blog will highlight key changes and offer practical tips for preventing and managing concussions in football.

As the summer winds down its important to remember arm care for young athletes for summer sports, especially for baseball and softball. These sports offer great competition and teamwork for young athletes but they also increase the risk of arm injuries. This is particularly true in young throwers. Understanding the epidemiology and etiology of these injuries is crucial for preventing them and ensuring long-term health and success for our young athletes.

Neck pain is a real “pain in the neck”. Recent case studies have demonstrated the use of dry needling for neck pain treatments in patients. In 2016 low back and neck pain had the highest health care spending in the United States, with an estimated $134.5 billion being spent on spinal pain-related conditions. Neck pain is a multifactorial disease with various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. There are psychological, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, occupational, and behavioral factors among these modifiable risk factors.