Personal, pro-level care from a former NHL head athletic trainer — for retired athletes, their families, and anyone working their way back from an injury.
“Times like these is when I missed being a player… you gave me the sense of belonging again.”
For years, a pro athlete has a medical team a phone call away. An athletic trainer who knows their history, gets them in front of the right specialist the same day, and walks with them through recovery.
Then the playing days end — and so does that support. Old injuries flare up, new health questions appear, and navigating the system alone can turn small problems into a downward spiral.
ProAdvocates brings that training-room relationship back. We pair you with an experienced athletic trainer who knows sports medicine from the inside, connects you to trusted providers, and stays with you and your family until you're back on your feet.
We start with a conversation about your history, what's going on now, and what you want your health to look like going forward.
We research your options and connect you with the best-fit specialist from a trusted network across the U.S. and Canada.
Your athletic trainer can attend appointments, explain every step, manage your records, and follow up until you've recovered.
From a nagging injury to a complex diagnosis, ProAdvocates covers the full path from first question to full recovery.
Hands-on rehabilitation guided by three decades of pro-level experience. Whether it's a youth athlete coming back from a sprain or ACL repair, or an adult recovering from surgery, we build a plan that gets you moving with confidence.
Former players from every major sports league, and their families.
Former Olympic and Paralympic athletes across every sport.
Former college, club and recreational athletes managing the long tail of their careers.
Young athletes recovering from injury, and anyone who wants expert help getting back on their feet.
Pat Karns is an award-winning, internationally known author and lecturer in sports medicine. For more than 30 years he has cared for Olympic and professional athletes — including as Head Athletic Trainer for the Colorado Avalanche during two Stanley Cup championships, and with the Minnesota NBA franchise.
He was appointed to the 2002 U.S. Winter Olympic medical staff and has worked across Olympic soccer, luge, tennis and ice hockey. A tireless advocate for his profession, Pat led the successful passage of Colorado Senate Bill 09-026 and serves on a commission providing peer-to-peer support for athletic trainers nationwide. He is the only athletic trainer to receive the Chopper Travaglini Community Service Award from Kroenke Sports Enterprises.
A graduate of St. Cloud State University with a graduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Pat lives in Denver.
One-on-one rehab and consultation in the Denver area, with direct access to Colorado's leading sports medicine providers.
Video and phone consultations, records review, and ongoing guidance — from anywhere.
Access to vetted physicians, surgeons and specialists in all 50 states and Canada — and an advocate to coordinate your care.
Our long-term vision is a dedicated destination in the Colorado Rockies where former athletes can come for an extended stay and receive the same level of specialized, around-the-clock support they had during their careers.
Join the interest listWhat former players and families say about having ProAdvocates in their corner.
You answered the phone and got me in immediately — no waiting room, no hassle, just like when I played.10-year NHL veteran
You treated my son's ACL like you treated me for all those years. For this I'm forever grateful.Former NHL player, 16 seasons
After the initial scare in the emergency room, you put me in touch with the top surgeon in New York. They took care of my daughter better than I could have ever imagined.Former NHL player, 15 seasons & Stanley Cup winner
You saved my son from having an unnecessary shoulder surgery.Sports parent
I can't believe how easy this was. I feel like I'm still in the training room — you called the doc, and I got in and out within 30 minutes.Former NHL player, 7 seasons
ProAdvocates has been needed for many years. I no longer have to worry about my medical care.Former NHL player, 16 seasons
The ProAdvocates Foundation is a private foundation. Contributions help deliver medical referral and record-management services to athletes and families who are unable to pay.
Support the foundationTell us a little about what's going on. Pat personally reads every message and will reach out to talk through next steps.