(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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