Download Fitness/Weight Loss/Conditioning Reimbursement Model:

 Fitness/Weight Loss/Conditioning Reimbursement Model: OBJECTIVE: to place ATs in a setting that utilizes their skills with the fitness industry in providing expertise to individuals seeking counseling on weight loss/general fitness/conditioning KEY POINTS: •
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ATs in this setting will most likely look to contract with fitness clubs or similar facilities to offer “personal training” services Normal AT services provided: Injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, ergonomics, job site evaluations, initial injury evaluations, emergency/first aid medical care, work conditioning, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, functional job descriptions, return to work programs, prevention education programs, health promotion, general wellness and fitness, case management, and counseling (Milton, n.d.). I have highlighted the ones specific to this Model. ATs seeking this setting need to make sure their state license allows this type of setting, as each state is different. Contracts with entities can focus on these specific areas: o Fitness evaluations o Physical fitness testing or testing preparation training o Rehabilitation of injuries o Injury evaluations o Athletic development It is important for the AT in this setting to differentiate themselves from personal trainers‐‐‐one important factor is the ability of an AT to do fitness/strength training in a results‐based way without promoting injuries. We as ATs can be aggressive in getting into shape without putting clients in a position to develop overuse or even acute injuries. Sports Performance/Enhancement: either aligned with a franchise program (i.e., Athletic Republic, etc) or stand‐alone (depending on AT’s experience) this is an excellent way to provide an AT’s skills to a different population: the healthy. This will involve an in‐depth business plan and the proper facility. o A great niche of this can be “Bridge Therapy”: transitioning an athlete from formal PT or rehab into functional return‐to‐play activities and training. Teaching the athlete to trust the affected area again in sport‐specific activities is something that is lacking in the rehab world outside of the college/high school athletic training room.