WAKEFIELD, Mass. - BostonChron -- "Champions in Health Care" is the theme of this year's National Athletic Training Month, which is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA.)

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are licensed and certified health care professionals who often collaborate with physicians and physical therapists (PTs). The services provided by ATs include injury prevention, emergency care, clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and sports-related illness.

A PT and AT can be critical partners on the rehabilitation team of an injured athlete; many parts of an athlete's rehabilitation can be done synergistically by both a PT and an AT. Many PTs will take advantage of their relationship with an AT to help co-create a treatment plan that addresses each individual athlete's specific needs.

At HD Physical Therapy, one of our staff therapists, Megan Horrigan, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC, is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, as well as a licensed and certified Athletic Trainer. Combining her education and experience in both disciplines has allowed Megan to become a skilled sports medicine clinician; she is highly proficient in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from athletics and other physical activity.

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"For me, each field supports the other and combining them creates the best possible scenario for the patient or athlete that I am working with," says Horrigan. "By merging the best of both, people are given the highest quality of care and achieve the best outcomes possible."

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists, accept all health insurance plans, support direct access to care (no referrals necessary,) are notable locations along major highways, have convenient hours that fit any schedule and always offer free injury screenings and tours.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Every day we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.