New tool from Holland Hospital connects athletes with care for sports injuries

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

HOLLAND — As hundreds of local student athletes return to the playing fields this fall, Holland Hospital has a new tool to connect the community with care for sports injuries.

Through a collaboration with Shoreline Orthopaedics Sports Medicine, Holland Hospital will help parents, guardians and coaches “make the right play” to find proper treatment for injuries.

As hundreds of local student athletes return to the playing fields this fall, Holland Hospital has a new tool to connect the community with care for sports injuries.
As hundreds of local student athletes return to the playing fields this fall, Holland Hospital has a new tool to connect the community with care for sports injuries.

The Sports Injury Care Finder asks users a series of questions related to the injury, including a brief symptom identification process. It then gives direction to receive the best care for their specific injury.

“The Sports Injury Care Finder simplifies the process for people to get care,” said Courtney Erickson-Adams of  Holland Hospital Sports Medicine. “We wanted treatment to be more accessible by directing patients where to go first to treat their injury.”

According to a CDC study, an estimated 2.7 million high school athletes reported injuries due to school sports between 2010 and 2016. Sprains and strains or dislocations accounted for the largest percent of emergency department visits at 28.1 percent for those ages 5-24. That was followed by unspecified injuries at 22.6 percent and fractures at 18 percent.

Erickson-Adams said the Holland area sees similar rates. Common injuries this time of year include concussions from football and cheerleading, knee injuries and overuse injuries such as strains and sprains.

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Erickson-Adams says student athletes should see their athletic trainer first, if available. Otherwise, the Sports Injury Care Finder can help them find the right place to go.

The new tool isn't just for student athletes, as adults can benefit from the service as well. It follows a flowchart to direct people to the care they need.

“We tried to make it as clear as possible for what someone should do in numerous circumstances,” Erickson-Adams said.

To learn more visit hollandhospital.org/sportsmed.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: New tool from Holland Hospital connects athletes with care for sports injuries