Final answer:
The three basic applications for athletic massage are the treatment of muscles and joints, preventative measures such as taping and bandaging, and rehabilitation. Athletic trainers have a deep understanding of science to ensure the proper care and recovery of athletes. They work to maintain athletes' health and to facilitate recovery from injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three basic applications for athletic massage include:
- Treatment of muscles and joints post-injury to manage pain and facilitate recovery.
- Preventative measures through taping, bandaging, and bracing to protect vulnerable areas and support injury prevention.
- Rehabilitation exercises and routines to restore function, improve strength, and enhance flexibility of injured muscles and joints.
Athletic trainers use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to understand drug actions and medical terminology, which assists them in the preventative care and rehabilitation of athletes. For example, exercises performed under water can require more force and thus strengthen the muscles more effectively, but trainers must also be cautious of the potential damage to connective tissues from such activities. The role of an athletic trainer is crucial in recognizing, evaluating, and giving immediate care to athletic injuries. They work alongside health professionals to integrate these applications within an athlete's training and recovery regimen.