Functional movement screenings help keep student-athletes healthy

As a high school athlete, Snider underwent three knee surgeries following sports-related injuries.

"Those experiences were challenging, but they exposed me to physical therapy and shaped my career path," Snider said. "I always wondered, what if we had screenings like these when I was an athlete? Could those injuries have been prevented?"

To provide screening options to the student-athletes at Mont Alto, a team-approach was needed, she said.

"We don't have enough health care providers to send out to screen at this magnitude in small, rural communities. I saw an opportunity with our physical therapy assistant students to do so," Snider added.

To date, 13 PTA students at have earned their FMS Level 1 Certification, and more than 150 student-athletes have been screened on the Mont Alto campus.

"It's a great service and a unique opportunity to see our PTA students working in their element," Assistant Athletic Director Shane Myers said. "They're working together with our athletes, helping them understand their bodies and ultimately giving them the best chance to stay healthy throughout the season."