Therapists Keep Disney Cast Members Fit and Safe
Athletic trainers and physical therapy specialists from St Joseph Hospital, Orange, Calif, have combined their expertise as part of a "partnership" between the hospital and Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif, that has created an athletic training program for the resort's employees or "cast members," helping the "Happiest Place on Earth" be one of the healthiest places as well.
Designed for Disney's hundreds of entertainment cast members (who must maintain exceptional physical endurance), the program found its roots with the entertainment division nearly 15 years ago, and is one of a number of integrated efforts that have helped to decrease work-related entertainment injuries at Disneyland Resort by one-third over the past 10 years. The resort's additional 20,000 cast members, who range from food service to custodial to merchandise, are also coached by St Joseph's athletic trainers.
Currently, 22 athletic trainers work at the Disneyland Resort, six on the operations team, 15 on the entertainment team, and an athletic training coordinator. The athletic coordinator, along with the resort's safety team, oversees the athletic training program with support from physical and occupational therapists.
In addition, rehabilitation therapists from St Joseph Hospital work on-site at the resort, evaluating and treating cast members in order to prevent work-related injuries. Also, job-site assessments are performed to evaluate cast members and their work areas to review body mechanics and provide tips on how they can more safely perform their work duties.
"It takes an entire team of athletic trainers to take care of all of the cast members at the resort," says Janay Coleman, a parade dancer. "They help us avoid injuries. There's always someone nearby to make sure I'm OK, and they're even there to assist us with nutrition guidance."
