Middle Park Medical Center physical therapist helps with injury prevention at West Grand High School athletic program

(Kremmling, Colorado.  September 29, 2012):  Middle Park Medical Center physical therapist helps with injury prevention at West Grand High School athletic program

By Eric Murray, Public Relations Director, Middle Park Medical Center Kremmling/Granby & North Park Medical Center, Walden

Jacob Bauer, PT, DPT

You might know Jacob Bauer from the physical therapy departments at Middle Park Medical Center, Kremmling & Granby.  You might have seen him at West Grand High School home games [this is the second season] but did you know that Bauer is contributing his knowledge of sports injury prevention through a program funded by a grant and sponsored by Middle Park Medical Center? 

Athletic training education and concussion management services are part of the arrangement, including a computer software test called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), free of charge to West Grand High School athletes.  Learn more about this program including the grant funder and other hospital employees involved by visiting the physical therapy page at www.MPMC.org.

Bauer has a significant education in sports injury including a doctorate of physical therapy degree from Concordia University, Wisconsin.  His clinical experience is extensive in outpatient orthopedics, acute and sub-acute rehabilitation.  What inspires Bauer most is to help athletes. 

Bauer is currently active in wide array of outdoor sports and activities of the area; hiking, biking, running, fishing, hunting and snowboarding.  He is also a former high school and collegiate football player.  It is during his football experiences where he incurred his share of injuries including two sprained ankles, a concussion, one shoulder injury in high school and another shoulder injury in college. 

I caught up with Jacob Bauer, PT, DPT, [Physical Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy] between patients at the physical therapy department in Kremmling recently and asked him about his involvement with local high school sports and being ready for cold weather activities.

MPMC:  You seem to enjoy getting involved with sports here in Kremmling.  What drives you?

BAUER:  From a personal experience I played football so being involved with the program here is one of the ways I can still be involved with the sport.  It’s about giving back and helping athletes, getting them to their full potential.

 Jacob Bauer during his college football days

 with Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska.

MPMC:  You have been an accomplished athlete and you had some sports injuries in the past.  Was your experience with football trainers and physical therapists in high school and college football part of your reason for getting a doctorate in physical therapy?

BAUER:  Yes, that and I have a passion for biology, a fascination with the human body and of course my love for sports, exercise and just being active.  I wanted to share that with others and get others to be active.

MPMC:  What do you like most about practicing physical therapy and living here in Grand County?

BAUER:  I like that people are very active and fit here in the county.  It’s fun to see and it’s also rewarding to help them get back to hobbies and activities that they like after an injury.  Plus, I enjoy the outdoors as well.  I think people need to get out there and utilize what this area has to offer.

MPMC:  Do you have any injury prevention advice for people who are getting out there now and enjoying the outdoors?

BAUER:  I’d recommend that people have a warm-up before participating in intense activities.  It is deceptively warm still and people tend to not hydrate as much.  During the homecoming game, for example, there were several athletes who were cramping up.  One thing to prevent cramping is to replace your fluid level with electrolytes, eat a banana and regular stretching after activities.

MPMC:  Fall has settled in now and winter is just around the corner.  Do you have any advice for those preparing for winter activities?

BAUER:  Yes, wear layers.  I think many people already know this.  To increase body temperature with exercise you want to regulate by shedding layers so that overheating doesn’t occur.  Again, drink lots of water.

MPMC:  Hydration is often emphasized, especially during activities in the mountains.

BAUER:  Even when its winter and cold outside, people should drink as much water as they do in the summer.

MPMC:  Any other advice?

BAUER:  The body was meant to move.  If you aren’t participating in some sort of exercise, you should be.  There are plenty of resources available to learn about the fitness and recreation opportunities here in the county.  If someone needs guidance, I encourage them to contact us at the physical therapy department.

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