Torn ACLs, broken bones, and sprained joints galore — North Atlanta athletes are always making a statement. With Dub athletes going down left and right, injuries are practically a part of the game. With the high risks associated with many sports, it’s no surprise that student-athletes are bound to face a few setbacks along the way. However, every injury brings about a recovery process. Whether it’s a serious ACL tear or a simple ankle sprain, there are many different ways NAHS Athletes recover in order to get back to full strength as soon as possible.
A key component in NAHS student-athletes ability to recover from serious injuries is Demetre Ledlum, who has been a trainer at North Atlanta for over 3 years. Typically, you will find Ledlum helping out with the football and basketball teams, however you can generally spot him at most dubs sporting events. On average, Ledlum tapes up about 15 ankles a week and gives Ice to over 30 students. “I definitely find myself running out of ice often,” said Ledlum.
While some injuries can be solved with a little bit of ice, others require physical therapy and even surgery. Roddey Bird, a junior at North Atlanta High School, tore her ACL and meniscus while playing Soccer for the Dubs. Unfortunately, this would take her off of the field for over 9 months. For her recovery, Bird had to undergo surgery and physical therapy multiple times a week. One major struggle students often face when recovering from injuries is staying motivated. “That feeling of running on the field again really motivated me to stay consistent during recovery,” said Bird.
It is important to note that the majority of sports-related injuries require less recovery work and time. Cameron Louie, a junior who plays tennis for the Warriors, sprained his ankle and had a much easier recovery process than Bird. Due to this being a more simple injury, all he had to do was ice his ankle in his free time and stay off his feet as much as possible. “Even though it’s a less serious injury, it still sets me back,” said Louie.
With North Atlanta athletes getting injured frequently, it is vital for all of them to know the proper treatment needed for each type of injury. Not only does this knowledge aid in faster recovery, but it also helps prevent long-term damage and ensures they can safely return to their sport. By understanding the specific treatment protocols — whether it’s rest, rehabilitation, or medical intervention — athletes can reduce downtime and improve their overall performance. Get back out there Dubs Athletes!
