What keeps athletic trainers going despite the challenges?
The hours may be long and the pay may be low, but the passion for helping athletes drives every dedicated athletic trainer to keep showing up. Athletes face many challenges, from intense physical strain to mental pressures that can affect their performance and well-being. They push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of excellence, often risking injuries that can sideline them for weeks or even months. However, their journey becomes more manageable with the unwavering support of athletic trainers.
Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes who stand by every athlete. Along with their many challenges, athletic trainers face a tough reality: long days filled with rigorous demands, heart-wrenching injuries, and a salary that often doesn’t reflect the time and energy they invest in their work. Their job can be physically draining, requiring them to stay on their feet for hours, and emotionally taxing as they support athletes through painful recoveries. Moreover, the behind-the-scenes nature of their work can lead to feelings of being unrecognized or overlooked. Thus, we must recognize that behind every successful athlete is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to ensure they remain in peak physical condition.
Mr. Brady Howe is a certified athletic trainer, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and the esteemed Director of Sports Medicine at Grand Canyon University. With a wealth of experience in the field, Mr. Howe previously served as the Vice President of Health and Performance for the Phoenix Suns. In that role, he combined his expertise in sports medicine and strength and conditioning to oversee the Suns’ performance department. He has recently transitioned from covering the men’s three-on-three basketball team at the Olympics.
In this episode with Mr. Brady Howe, we will explore his journey in sports medicine and athletic training. He shares his experiences working with high-level athletes and discusses the importance of the relationships he built along the way. We’ll learn about his passion for helping athletes recover from injuries and prepare for competitions. Mr. Howe will also talk about the challenges and rewards of his work, including the hard work that often goes unnoticed. Tune in as we dive into the world of sports training, the journey to success, and the importance of teamwork in helping athletes reach their goals.
“You just have to have gratitude for what you currently have and realize it’s a blessing. Make the best of it.” – Mr. Brady Howe
Topics Covered:
(00:00:30) Introducing our special guest, Mr. Brady Howe
(00:02:10) What shaped Mr. Howe’s journey in athletic training
(00:04:57) What journey led Mr. Howe to the NBA stage
(00:07:26) The role of athletic trainers in athlete care
(00:11:57) How to manage offseason burnout
(00:14:19) Transitioning from NBA to a new path
(00:17:57) Gratitude beats the trap of comparison
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(00:23:00) Overcoming the mental barriers of returning from injury
(00:26:23) The role of psychology in coaching athletes
(00:29:02) How trust affects athletes recovery
(00:33:03) Understanding the impact of medical news on athletes
(00:34:26) Final TimeOut with Mr. Brady Howe: How would you advise an athletic trainer or an injured athlete in a tough situation?
(00:36:17) Maximizing opportunities
Key Takeaways:
“The importance of building a sports medicine practice is based on your relationship with athletic trainers.”- Dr. Derrick Burgess
“When you have an athletic trainer who is very well-trained, that relationship is what truly makes sports medicine flourish.”- Dr. Derrick Burgess
“Burnout is real in the athletic training space.” – Mr. Brady Howe
“Just because you can reach a certain level doesn’t mean that season lasts forever. Everything is for a season. Life changes.”- Dr. Derrick Burgess
“It’s very easy to get lost in today’s world due to the cost of comparisons or by chasing after other people’s wealth.” – Mr. Brady Howe
“It’s easy for people to think that getting an athlete back to health is enough. However, the mental challenges they face can be a much bigger hurdle than the physical recovery process.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess
“It’s really tough for athletes to handle bad news at times. I appreciate you and others in these roles because it’s difficult to be the bearer of such news and to find the right way to share it. It’s not easy.” – Mr. Brady Howe
“There are aspects you can control and many you can’t. Start by focusing on what’s right in front of you and keeping it simple.” – Mr. Brady Howe
“Master where you are and keep moving forward.” – Mr. Brady Howe
Connect with Mr. Brady Howe:
Email: brady.howe@gcu.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-howe-90227560/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbradyhowe/
Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:
Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg
Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com
This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines – the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don’t have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.