PT. Dept. Sharpens Sports Trauma Expertise through International Advanced Training
The Physical Therapy Department under the College of Allied Health and Sciences participated in a two-day International Certificate Course in Advanced Sports Trauma Management at the University Oval and Worship Center on August 29-30, 2024. The said event was joined by 16 participants including physiotherapists from Ilocos Norte, professionals from local rehabilitation clinics, medical personnel and instructors from the university.
The course aimed to equip the participants with advanced skills necessary for responding to sport-related injuries, especially during events held at the university.
Dr. Subhasis Karmaker, a renowned senior physiotherapist specializing in musculoskeletal (MSK) and sports injuries, led the course. Dr. Karmaker served with the UAE (United Arab Emirates) National Rugby Team and was recognized as the Best Physiotherapist of the Year in 2023 in UAE. He also holds licenses to practice in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, UAE, and India.
During the first day of the event, they indulged themselves in lectures and theoretical discussions, while on the second day, they featured field demonstrations in the university oval where the participants applied their newly acquired knowledge and skills in practical real-world scenarios.
“In sports fields, physiotherapists play a critical role, often making decisions that directly impact players’ lives. This training provides a benchmark for attendees, equipping them with advanced life-saving techniques that are crucial on the field,” Dr. Karmaker said.
“The advanced sports trauma course encompasses a lot of physiotherapy techniques alongside life-saving skills,” he added.
The training focused on various critical areas of sports trauma management, including Basic Life Support (BLS), BLS with defibrillation, airway management and ventilation, breathing and chest trauma, circulation and shock, head injuries and concussions, facial injuries specific to sports, spinal injuries, musculoskeletal trauma, and wound care.
Moreover, Dr. Karmaker further elaborated on the importance of this training stating that the course sets a great benchmark, equipping attendees with advanced life-saving techniques on the field. It helps to identify potential risks that, if not addressed promptly, can lead to severe consequences. The training will not only open doors to new learning for the attendees but also enable them to better support players in the region, potentially saving lives.
Prof. Judith Rivera, PTRP, a representative from the Department of Physical Therapy, noted that the training allows the staff to be equipped with the necessary skills to respond to any sports-related injuries. According to her, “This is to strengthen our sports rehab, particularly in PT (physical therapy). That’s why we’re coming up with these training to equip our staffs for these kind of skills. The goal of this training is for us to be prepared to respond to sports traumatic injuries, especially during school events.”
On the other hand, Ms. Marietta Tumaneng, PTRP, clinical supervisor of Laoag Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center, knew Dr. Karmaker as the resource speaker of a notable institution she is affiliated with. She also emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The role of a physiotherapist in sports is very limited. So I wanted to give a venue for the other professionals, especially the physios, in preparation for their potential participation in the Palarong Pambansa. we want the government to recognize the diversified role of PT, one of which is sports trauma management,” she explained.
Additionally, Ms. Tumaneng highlighted their strong partnership with Northwestern University, noting that the physical therapy students frequently intern in their facility. She described the NWU Physical Therapy department as being like family, with collaborations spanning both academic and social projects.
In an interview, Dr. Karmaker emphasized the importance of mastering the skills taught in the course, stating, “In sports trauma, nothing can be taken for granted. On the field, you are there to save a person or delay the inevitable. The impact is immediate, so you have to trust your abilities and act on it, and the particular physiotherapist on the field is directly responsible for the patient’s life.”
