Importance of Verbiage Used for Athletes Returning to Sports

Written By: Taylor Hensh, PT, DPT, CSCS Multidisciplinary Approach to Athlete Rehabilitation Rehabilitating athletes effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration among physical therapists, athletic trainers, physicians, nutritionists, and mental health professionals. This comprehensive strategy ensures that all aspects of the athlete’s recovery are addressed, promoting optimal healing and performance (Brennan et al., 2017). Consistent terminology across the care team enhances trust, understanding, and accountability throughout the rehabilitation process (Cook & Finch, 2014). Individualized Return to Sport Progression Returning to sport after an injury is not a one-size-fits-all process; it…

Continue ReadingImportance of Verbiage Used for Athletes Returning to Sports

RED-S and Postpartum Return to Running

Written By: Corinne Howe, PT, DPT What is RED-S? RED-S, or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, results in impaired functions such as metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health. This condition arises when an individual’s caloric intake does not meet the energy demands of daily activities and exercise habits. Key Symptoms of RED-S in Postpartum Women The energy demands of postpartum women differ significantly from those at other life stages. Factors to consider include daily activity energy demands, breastfeeding status, sleep quality, and exercise-related energy…

Continue ReadingRED-S and Postpartum Return to Running

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Injuries in Pickleball

Written By: Dr. Allison Funk, PT, DPT, ATC Pickleball is a sport that combines skills from badminton, ping pong and tennis that can be played on indoor and outdoor courts. Participants are often attracted to pickleball as it is a great form of low-impact exercise that promotes socialization and competitiveness for all ages. But before you grab a paddle, it's worth knowing how to keep yourself injury-free on the court. As much fun as pickleball is, it does come with some risks, especially for those over 60. Injuries like sprains,…

Continue ReadingTips and Tricks to Prevent Injuries in Pickleball

The FACTS About Low Back Pain and Golf

Golf often has the reputation of being a low intensity sport which places little stress upon the body. Those who play golf will tell you that is far from the case. As an avid golfer myself and Physical Therapist, I can testify that golf is a demanding sport on the body and golf health is something that is important to address for anyone who plans to pursue the lifelong game. The most common golf-related injury is low back pain (LBP) with 15-35% of amateurs and 55% of professionals experiencing LBP…

Continue ReadingThe FACTS About Low Back Pain and Golf

Rock Climbing Technique Basics

If you are new to rock climbing and have started your journey by yourself in a gym, then you have probably heard other climbers discussing different types of holds and techniques. If you are confused or unsure of what they are talking about, then this is a great place to start. In this post we will talk through some common terms in regards to technique and how you interact with a wall, however this will not be an exhaustive list by any means as there are many climbing specific words,…

Continue ReadingRock Climbing Technique Basics

Training in the Transverse Plane for the Lacrosse Athlete

We move in 3 major planes of motion. These planes include the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes. The frontal plane divides the body into front and back and includes lateral movements. The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right and includes flexion and extension movements. The transverse plane divides the body into top and bottom halves and includes rotational movements. A lot of the time, training includes frontal and sagittal plane movements, (squats, deadlifts, lateral lunges) but neglects the transverse plane.  Training in the transverse plane is crucial…

Continue ReadingTraining in the Transverse Plane for the Lacrosse Athlete

ACL Injuries & Prevention in Sports

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that connects the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) together. The ACL sits in the middle of the knee. Its main job is to prevent the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. So how can you injure your ACL? It can happen from a contact injury (like getting tackled in football), but most of the time, it occurs from a noncontact injury (like planting your foot to quickly change direction while running or…

Continue ReadingACL Injuries & Prevention in Sports

Rotator Cuff

Disc golf, while often seen as a relaxing activity, is actually very demanding on the shoulder and elbow joints, similar to that of pitching a baseball. Therefore, as we move into Summer and disc golf courses like Druid Hill Park are opening to the public, it’s a great time to make sure you’re ‘pre’-habbing your shoulder to help prevent pain as you get back to the tee!  Why can throwing lead to shoulder pain? Looking at your typical backhand throw, all your force is channeled through your shoulder and elbow…

Continue ReadingRotator Cuff

Our Favorite Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for Runners

Set your RUN up for SUCCESS!!! Whether you have been running for years, or you are new to the team, prepping for your run can really make a difference! A proper warm up helps your running performance, and sets you up for success in the long run.  Running requires a lot of hip and core strength in order to maintain alignment, good form, and proper weight transfer when moving from one foot to the next.  A dynamic warm-up is used to improve mobility while moving through a range-of motion vs.…

Continue ReadingOur Favorite Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for Runners

Top Places to Ride Your Mountain Bike Near Baltimore

Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and as more people are opting to ride their bikes on dirt - an increase in trail access is occurring. Maryland has one of the most diverse riding areas on the east coast, the state has everything from beginner flat trails, to black diamond rocky downhill runs. Whatever your skill level, you can find something near Baltimore to challenge your riding capabilities!  Patapsco Valley State Park  One of the most popular areas in Maryland - and for good…

Continue ReadingTop Places to Ride Your Mountain Bike Near Baltimore