Unveiling the Role of an Athletic Trainer in Facilitating a Basketball Star’s Comeback

Get an exclusive glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts of an athletic trainer as they help a prominent student-athlete make a triumphant return to the basketball court.

Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute houses one of the nation’s largest athletic training programs. Certified athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing and managing sports-related injuries.

“As athletic trainers, we are unique healthcare providers who work with patients throughout the entire injury or illness journey,” explains Jim Bazluki, MAEd, LAT, EMT, a certified athletic trainer at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina, part of Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute. “From evaluating injuries to developing treatment plans, rehabilitation plans, and witnessing their full recovery, we are there every step of the way.”

Over 70% of athletic trainers hold advanced degrees, and they collaborate closely with coaches, parents, sports medicine specialists, and athletic administrators to ensure the well-being and safety of student-athletes.

Assisting a Senior Basketball Player in Finishing Strong

Bazluki recently aided senior high school basketball player Zhangir “Z” Dyussenov in recovering from a fractured fourth metacarpal on his shooting hand. After Zhangir returned to campus, Jim evaluated the injured finger and determined the need for further evaluation by team physician Dr. Jeffrey Ham, who promptly provided X-rays and medical care.

Thanks to the seamless collaboration between Bazluki and the sports medicine physician from Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Zhangir has successfully made a comeback and is now participating in post-season sessions to prepare for college in the fall.

“I met Z when I first arrived at Combine Academy two years ago,” recalls Bazluki. “It has been an honor to support him throughout his journey.”

For Zhangir, having an athletic trainer by his side during his recovery has been an “amazing” experience.

“It’s reassuring to know that if anything happens, there’s an athletic trainer available to help,” says Zhangir. “It doesn’t have to be a major injury or a serious issue; you can receive treatment or get stretched out if you’re sore or not feeling well. I’m truly grateful to have athletic trainers on campus who are always accessible.”

Throughout his recovery, Zhangir’s determination to return to the basketball court has been unwavering.

“I’m incredibly excited to rejoin my teammates on the court and enjoy the remainder of my high school season before heading to college next year,” he says. “Being back in time for March Madness is a real thrill.”

Building Relationships: The Best Part of the Job

Establishing meaningful connections with students, coaches, and staff is a vital aspect of an athletic trainer’s role.

“I take pleasure in developing relationships with the staff and students at Combine Academy,” says Bazluki. “Being an international boarding school, more than half of my patients are international students. During each treatment or rehabilitation session, I try to learn about the students, their countries, traditions, foods, and more. It’s an opportunity to discover something new and further foster those relationships.”

Zhangir, who traveled over 6,400 miles to attend Combine Academy, often brings Bazluki a gift from his homeland when he returns home for summer or holidays.

“It’s these kinds of relationships that make my job truly fulfilling,” says Bazluki.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Atrium Health Floyd take immense pride in being the official sports medicine provider for over 100 schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Key Highlights of Athletic Training

Certified athletic trainers offer a wide range of services to athletes, teams, and schools. Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Attending all home athletic events and practices.
• Providing emergency, on-field, and acute medical care.
• Identifying and evaluating concussions and other head injuries.
• Evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating sports-related illnesses and injuries.
• Designing and implementing injury prevention programs.
• Preparing student-athletes for practices and competitions.
• Monitoring environmental, field, and weather conditions (e.g., lightning or heat index).
• Developing emergency action plans for schools.
• Understanding general medical conditions, disabilities, health, and wellness.
• Recognizing the impact of nutrition on sports-related illnesses and injuries.
• Maintaining open communication between coaches, parents, and physicians regarding injuries and illnesses.
• Creating return-to-play plans for injured athletes.
• Assisting student-athletes in reaching their peak performance levels.