Curry adds PT expertise to RHS volleyball teams

If you've been to any of the Richlands High School girls volleyball games recently you probably noticed a new face sitting on the bench. LaRyn Curry, a physical therapist at Clinch Valley Medical Center, has been volunteering her time with the JV and Varsity girls volleyball teams since practice started in August.

The main purpose of LaRyn's presence at the practices and on the sidelines of the games is to keep the athletes healthy so they can play sports.  The goal is also to prevent them from suffering damage that will be with them for the rest of their lives and to educate parents and coaches to help prevent unnecessary aggravation of injuries.

The U.S. Surgeon General's office reported a few years ago that youth injuries in sports are at an "epidemic" level. Shortly thereafter, the Center for Disease Control came out with a report that one out of four high school athletes will have an injury that will keep them out of competition for at least a week.

"Sports injuries are going to occur," Curry said. "But we don't want them to become lifetime injuries. We don't want to see a small injury that could have gotten better become a lifelong problem."

Richlands High School Athletic Director Rickie Vencill called Curry's services "invaluable." He said having LaRyn around takes the pressure off coaches who otherwise have to decide "whether a kid should practice or play or not."

"It's so nice to have someone with her medical background to make decisions," said Ronnie Sparks, Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach. "She just comes out and says ‘This girl's ready to go. This one should wait a few more days.' She always has the best interest of the girls in mind and that's what we like, that's what we support."

Curry sums up her experience so far on the volleyball court by saying, "I try my best to make sure the girls can compete. I use therapy, stretching techniques and taping, but my job isn't to win games (although I like to see the girls win), my job is to protect the girls, period."