While athletic trainers and physical therapists both work with people who have suffered sports injuries, the similarities between the two careers end there. Trainers and therapists have different educations, certifications and work place settings.
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who help athletes and other physically active people to prevent and recognize injuries related to physical activity. As an athletic trainer you work with athletes to manage and rehabilitate acute athletic injuries. Physical therapists work with individuals of all ages and fitness levels with chronic or acute injuries and illnesses. Their work involves developing strategies to help patients gain, restore and maintain movement, physical function and mobility.
To be an athletic trainer, you need a bachelor’s degree and a license to work in this field. Within the next year, all professionals entering into the field must obtain a master’s degree. Physical therapists must complete several years of post-secondary study to earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy, and they need to be licensed.
Athletic trainers, primarily, work in schools and work with travel sports teams, professional sports teams and other organizations. Physical therapists work, mostly, in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing facilities. Occasionally, you will see athletic trainers and physical therapists working together, and there are many athletic trainers that go on to obtain their degree in physical therapy. We have three on staff at Advanced Physical Therapy Center. One we would like to feature is the director of our Flint clinic, Michael Brew, PT, DPT, AT. Read more about him below.
Michael Brew, PT, DPT, AT has over 20 years of experience working with athletic injuries, as both an athletic trainer and a physical therapist. He has a special interest in gymnastics and dance injuries due to the fact his two daughters have been involved in the sports for many years. He has worked with all types of athletes from professional, collegiate, recreational to high school athletes in various sports. When it comes to experience working with athletes, Mike is unmatched by anyone in the local area.Have an athlete that can use Mike’s help? Contact him via email or call APTC-Flint to schedule a free consultation!
MICHAEL BREW, PT, DPT, AT
MBrew@advpt.com
G-2241 S. Linden Rd. | Ste. A
Flint | MI | 48532
810.732.8400
Advanced Physical Therapy Center 