SPOKANE, Wash. – If you’ve been to Hoopfest you’ve probably seen the MultiCare medical tents around the games, but not everyone knows exactly what is available and who is covered.
First things first, everyone at Hoopfest is covered. The players, the court monitors, even the spectators. Everyone can get a free evaluation.
Say an injury happens on a court, if it is serious enough that the person cannot move, they can come pick you up in a golf cart and take you to where you need to go, which could be any of their four tents, but likely the main one which will be just across the street from the Davenport Grand Hotel.
That’s where they will have the x-ray machine where they can determine if you are dealing with a fracture or something else.
At any of the four locations will be physicians, athletic trainers, and medical assistants who can hand out band aids, ice packs, or tape you up before the game.
Just remember to not overexert yourself because nobody wants to see anyone get hurt.
“If you’re getting fatigued, have a sub,” said Dr. Allison Blumenthal with MultiCare. “Take a break, do what you need to do to keep yourself safe and healthy. The games will come and go but we don’t want to see you in our operating room…”
MultiCare blocks off time on Sunday and Monday for surgeries from Hoopfest.
But Blumenthal says many of the hundreds of annual Hoopfest injuries are preventable.
It starts before your first game. Blumenthal says it’s a good idea to scope out your court in advance and look for any hazards (potholes, trees, where the sun will be, etc.) that could affect the game and your health.
Blumenthal says you also need to make sure you are as close to game-shape as possible. If you haven’t been conditioning, do not wait until Saturday to see how good of shape you are in, or to try out those new shoes. Blumenthal says it is not about the brand, but about the fit. Make sure you have shoes that support you in the ways that your body needs.
Just remember, Blumenthal says there is one group who gets injured more than the rest… And you know who you are…
“For the most part, it’s what we call your weekend warriors,” said Blumenthal. “So those people who don’t train all year round and a few weeks leading up to Hoopfest decide they’re going to play in a big major tournament.”
I know this weekend could be our last chance to make the NBA… Just be sure to stretch before your game.
