CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
Sport-related concussion
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At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateSome states let chiropractors assess concussion and clear young athletes to return to play, sometimes only with extra credentials or physician involvement; others do not.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistVaries by statePhysical therapists commonly treat concussion symptoms, but only some states' youth sports laws let a physical therapist give written return-to-play clearance.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistVaries by stateOccupational therapists may help people recover from concussion, and at least one state lets them clear young athletes to return to play, but most laws we read do not name them.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerWithin scopeRecognizing, assessing and managing sport-related concussion is core athletic training work, done in collaboration with a directing physician; whether an athletic trainer may sign the return-to-play clearance depends on the state's youth concussion law.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalAssessing a concussion or clearing an athlete to return is not part of massage therapy, though anyone may report warning signs and seek medical help.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt. In sport, the questions are who may assess it, which tools to use, and who may clear an athlete to return.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic trainer | Sport-related concussion | |
| Across professions | Mild traumatic brain injury | Broader clinical term |
What the bodies say
CurrentAT, Athletic trainerPT, Physical therapistOT, Occupational therapistDC, Chiropractor
Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Physical therapy evaluation and treatment after concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
Current
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement on concussion in sport
Superseded
Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016
Replaced by the Amsterdam 2022 editionCurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Sport Concussion
Superseded
Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2012
Replaced by the Berlin 2016 editionSupersededAT, Athletic trainer
Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2008
Replaced by the Zurich 2012 editionSupersededAT, Athletic trainerPT, Physical therapist
Summary and agreement statement of the 2nd International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prague 2004
Replaced by the Zurich 2008 editionSuperseded
Summary and agreement statement of the first International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Vienna 2001
Replaced by the Prague 2004 editionCheck your state
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Go to Get licensedState-by-state detail
This topic varies enough between states to warrant a state table, with the statute and board for each cell.