Meet your athletic trainer
Todd Matlak, MS, LAT, ATC
Todd
has been with Seneca High School since 2021 and UPMC Sports Medicine since
2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine/athletic training from
Mercyhurst University and a master’s in athletic training from California
University of Pennsylvania. Todd spent 18 years as an athletic trainer at the
collegiate level and three years at the high school level previously. He enjoys
hiking, golfing, and spending time with family.
Athletic Training
Services:
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What
is an Athletic Trainer?
We provide the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation
of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions
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Who
are Athletic Trainers?
Highly trained,
multi-skilled healthcare professionals who render service or treatment,
under the direction of or in collaboration with a physician, in accordance
with their education, training and the state’s statutes, rules and regulations.
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Athletic trainers are
sometimes confused with personal trainers. There is, however, a large
difference in the education, skillset, job duties and patients of an athletic
trainer and a personal trainer. The athletic training academic curriculum and
clinical training follows the medical model. Athletic trainers must graduate
from an accredited baccalaureate or master’s program.
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All this information,
and more regarding Athletic Trainers can be found on the NATA website.
Concussion
Information:
In addition to a pre-season physical exam, student athletes in
grades 7, 9, and 11, or those who are in grades 8, 10, or 12, and have not
taken one the previous year, are required to take a baseline ImPACT test before
tryouts. Baseline testing is done at WASD under the supervision of the school’s
athletic trainer. We offer several days of testing during the summer as
well as before each sport season throughout school year. The dates and
times will be announced during school hours and on social media. Student
athletes who have not completed a baseline test are not eligible to participate.
ImPACT is a
computerized test that assesses neurocognitive function. We use this
system as a tool when an athlete sustains a concussion by comparing their
post-injury performance to their baseline test. Although it is not a
substitute for clinical evaluation and physician recommendations, it is very
useful in providing us with additional information on athletes’ neurocognitive
function and any deficits that may be a result of concussion. The
neuropsychologists who developed this testing are consulted, if applicable, on
every case for interpretation of test results.
At WASD, we take concussion management very seriously and have
some of the best resources available to ensure the highest level of
comprehensive care for our student-athletes who have sustained a
concussion. Please visit the ImPACT Testing website for more
information on the test, FAQ’s, concessions (including recovery and
post-concussion syndrome), and current research.
Common Injuries:
Our Athletic Trainers treat
various injuries across all sports. For more information regarding an injury, please
refer to the UPMC Sports Medicine Website.
UPMC Sports
Medicine:
UPMC Sports Medicine offers a complete range of services focusing
on preventing and treating injury and illnesses, and helping athletes — young
or old, professional or amateur — reach their peak performance. These
services include imaging, athletic training, sports performance, concussion
services, ACL prevention programs, sports nutrition, mental training, sports
massage and cycling performance. Below is contact information for these
services. For more information regarding UPMC sports medicine, please
visit their website by clicking here. For
more information on UPMC Sports Medicine, please read the linked
documents: About
UPMC Sports Medicine, What is
AT
Erie Area Primary Facilities:
Concussion and Sports Medicine Services:
UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
100 Peach Street, Erie Pa 16507
814-877-6195
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
**Early morning and evening appointments are available for your
convenience**
For additional information regarding UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
services, including affiliated orthopaedic surgeons, please visit our official
website Here