Mission Sports Medicine

September 4, 2020

Athletic Trainer Services for Student Athletes Remain Robust, Despite COVID-19

By Carolyn Comeau COVID-19 has brought an inestimable number of uncertainties to daily life, but it’s school systems that may have to make the hardest calls about the future, and what learning will look like. Accordingly, student athletes involved in school sports programs are in a similar state of limbo. “At this point,” said Shelli […]

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March 2, 2020

Game Changer: High School Team Athletic Trainer Aids Heart Attack Victim during Football Game

By Cherry Odom, BSN, RN-BC “My symptoms started during the second quarter of the ball game,” said Tommy Gassaway, a baseball coach at Asheville Middle School. He was working his seasonal job as the clock operator at a junior varsity football game at Asheville High School, when he had shoulder pain and felt like he […]

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August 29, 2019

Pedaling On: Robotic Precision Gets Longtime Biker Back into the Race after Two Knee Surgeries

By Cherry Odom, BSN, RN-BC Seasoned triathlete and retired Mars Hill University sociology professor Tom Plaut knew nine years ago that the pain in his left knee meant his many years of running, biking and swimming had taken a toll on his body. “The wear and tear on my knee resulted in bone landing on […]

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August 8, 2019

Feet First: 4 Things to Consider before Choosing Running Shoes

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or already have several under your belt, the proper shoes and training techniques can mean the difference between pain and gain. Thomas Starnes, MD, a runner himself and a primary care sports medicine physician at Asheville Orthopaedic Associates, explains how to kick-start your running habit with the right […]

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June 27, 2019

Work Hard, Rest Hard – Common Soccer Injuries and Finding a Balance between Rest and Play

By Elise Hiza, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Billions of people around the world are tuning in for the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup, which is in full play. You can’t help but be amazed at the level of athleticism, power and strength that’s required of soccer players – especially at the professional level. As you watch […]

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May 23, 2019

Don’t Rush Recovery – Why It’s Important to Take Concussions and Head Injuries Seriously

By Sam LaRose People usually associate concussions or head injuries with sports, like soccer, football or basketball, but concussions can happen during recreational activities for fun too. It’s that time of year here in the mountains for western North Carolinians’ favorite outdoor activities – hiking, canoeing or rafting down the river, biking and more. Whether […]

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March 14, 2019

5 Basketball Injuries and How to Treat Them

By Aaron Vaughan, MD A proud supporter of the SoCon Tournament, Mission Sports Medicine keeps athletes and active people of all ages and skill levels healthy, active and at peak performance. Basketball, with its fast pace, change of direction and explosive nature comes with many opportunities for injury. At Mission Health, we diagnose, treat and […]

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March 12, 2019

True Team Players – Common Misconceptions about Athletic Trainers

By William Mathiowdis, ATC Editor’s Note: I grew up playing five sports and played soccer in college. While I remember most of my friends, teammates and coaches from various teams, I remember almost all of my athletic trainers, too. They ran out to the soccer field and carried me off, rode in an ambulance with […]

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February 25, 2019

Learning to Love Your Body: How Body Dysmorphia Can Lead to Eating Disorders

By Kelly Montague, Athletic Trainer Athletics and physical activity is a great outlet for individuals to challenge their bodies and improve their health. Being fit comes with the common misconception that as a result of this lifestyle you will be slim with toned muscle definition. A healthy body comes in all shapes and sizes, and […]

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February 18, 2019

Don’t Make These Mistakes – 5 Tips for Your First 5K

By Eliza Parker, ATC All runners have to start somewhere. Often, a good place is a 5K (you may have heard people say “couch to 5K”). Whether you’re new to running or getting back into it, and whatever your motivation, taking a few simple precautions upfront can help you make it all the way to […]

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