The “Gold Shirts”
Equipment Managers work to keep all the athletes ready for play with equipment that is in good repair and top condition. These students take classes in how to upkeep and repair all the equipment needed by their sport and leave the school certified to work for collegiate-level teams.
Optional Equipment
This space is for optional items that are available for purchase by athletes if conversations with their medical providers recommend them. WSCA Sports Medicine doesn’t recommend a student utilize an optional equipment item without discussing it with their medical doctor; however, we can let athletes know that items exist so that they can have those conversations. Every student-athlete should follow the guidance of their personal medical doctor and understand that no activity can be made totally safe.
Dual Hinged Knee Braces
Dual-hinged metal knee braces are an option to protect athletes' knees from side to side or twisting injuries supported by some research. No device can completely prevent an injury; however, athletes wearing these dual-hinged metal braces (either the Mueller or Dr. Shock brands) have been seen to have fewer knee injuries in the research. It is worth discussing with your medical provider if you are playing soccer, volleyball, football, or basketball to possibly prevent catastrophic knee injuries. Your medical doctor will have a better understanding of your needs and will be able to guide you to their use.
Q-Collar
According to the company “The Q-Collar is a non-invasive device intended to be worn around the neck of athletes aged 13 years and older during sports activities to aid in the protection of the brain from effects associated with repetitive sub-concussive head impacts.”
There is some evidence that this can help protect against concussions; however, it is critical that the individual discusses this device and the research with their medical provider; however, it has entered NFL and NCAA Football with several players on major teams electing to utilize it under the guidance of the team physician. It is an FDA-cleared device and is relatively new. No device can make a concussion impossible; however, given the new studies, it is worth a conversation with your doctor.