More Than the Sideline: How Athletic Trainers Keep Athletes — and Communities — Moving

At Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics (CSMO), the spotlight often shines on our world-class surgeons and specialists. But behind every successful recovery and ahead of many injuries is an unsung hero: the athletic trainer.

Monica Carney, ATC, is one of those vital team members. As a certified athletic trainer who serves Heritage High School in North Georgia, Monica is often the first line of care for student-athletes. But her reach — like that of athletic trainers across CSMO — goes far beyond the field.

“Our team of athletic trainers works throughout Chattanooga, Cleveland, and North Georgia,” Monica explains. “We’re on high school campuses, in college athletic programs, and even with professional sports teams. But we’re also here for everyday injuries in the community — not just athletes.”

Sprained ankles, suspected ACL tears, or nagging pains that don’t go away — these are just a few examples of what Monica and her colleagues encounter daily. And when something needs more than on-site care, they guide patients straight to CSMO’s Urgent + Ortho walk in clinics, where walk-in care helps avoid unnecessary ER visits and delays.

From stretching advice to spotting movement imbalances that could lead to injury, athletic trainers serve as movement specialists and advocates. “We know our athletes well,” Monica says. “We’re trained to pick up on subtle issues, whether during a game, in the weight room, or just daily function — and we offer personalized strategies for both prevention and recovery.”

And don’t worry — you don’t have to be an athlete to walk into an Urgent + Ortho clinic.

“If you twist your ankle running across the Veterans Bridge or tweak your knee getting out of the car, we’re here for that too,” Monica emphasizes.