On June 17, students and faculty from the University of Western States (UWS) sports medicine program had the opportunity to provide treatments for rodeo athletes in town for the 8 Seconds Rodeo, an event whose aim is to highlight Black rodeo culture.
Cowgirls and cowboys from Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Illinois and California converged in Portland to participate in the city’s first-ever event. The sold-out show took place at the Portland Expo Center and featured bull riders, barrel racers, bare-back riders, steer riders, kids riding goats, vendors and other family-friendly activities.
According to Dr. Tim Williams, UWS practicum supervisor, athletes who participate in full-body sports like these are more prone to injury. At the event, the UWS care team treated more than 20 athletes who experienced care ranging from adjustments, assessments, soft-tissue manipulation, taping and more. Besides emergency responders, the UWS delegation were the primary health care providers on site.
“I think our presence at this event was significant because it is not often that sports such as this have regular access to sports medicine, let alone chiropractic care. Our holistic approach takes into consideration not just what the athlete’s symptoms are but the psychosocial factors that impact it which are important,” said Dr. Williams.
Special thanks to Tim Williams, DC, MS, CSSP, Jesse Shaw, DO, USAW, and Jon Juker, UWS student and intern, for representing the university at this important community event.
(Photos by Dr. Tim Williams)
