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,…

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Importance of Plyometric Training for Runners and Return to Run

Coming back from a running injury and want to get back to logging your normal mileage? Many runners at some point in their running journey have experienced an injury that can alter their activity. This can be frustrating as these injuries can hinder runners from training for a race or maintaining their weekly mileage.  As a means of trying to return to running seamlessly, consider plyometric training before returning to run. Incorporating plyometrics can be a great way to bridge the preparation of running. Think of running as an extension…

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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…

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Shoulder Pain Explanation for Mountain Bikers

Written by Dr. Colin van Werkhoven PT, DPT, CSCS Mountain biking is an extremely dynamic sport which requires a lot of total body strength in order to perform well. However, during training, the upper body often gets forgotten about when it comes to weight lifting to perform a cycling performance. Without proper strength and muscular endurance of key musculature throughout the upper back and shoulders, you can start to develop increased pain, and sometimes numbness and tingling throughout the hands. Over time this can lead to compensations and a decrease…

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Importance of Strength Training for the Young Female Athlete

Written by: Allison Scheller, PT, DPT Physical therapy can help when you are injured, but we can also help prevent injuries, especially when it comes to young female athletes. Female athletes are more susceptible to injuries, such as ACL injuries, ankle sprains, and concussions. They also are at risk for developing female athlete triad. It is important to screen these athletes for strength imbalances that may cause these individuals to be more at risk for developing these injuries. Some other contributing factors to increased injury rate includes: Wider pelvis- which…

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Importance of Strength Training in Youth Athletes

As an athlete, you’re at the top of your game, right? You train, you practice, and you work out. There’s no need for you to strength train – you’re essentially training the muscles you need to perform your best as you play. Incorrect! It is imperative that youth athletes, especially high school athletes, participate in strength/resistance training as part of their off-season and in-season training schedule, regardless of their sport. Strength training has a huge number of benefits, examples include, but not limited to, reduced risk of injury, increased strength,…

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A Guide to Asymmetrical Posture & Movement

Written by: Chris RoosaGood Posture Good posture has many important benefits, including making you appear younger, taller,  and even more confident - but there is more to “perfect” posture than how others perceive you. Good posture has lifelong health benefits that can dramatically improve your quality of life, and even help you live longer! This article will give you insights on the difference between static and dynamic posture, and steps you can take today to optimize your personal posture for better health, improved performance, and a fully optimized physique. Posture…

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Feeling Unsteady or Worried about Falling?

Dr. Rebecca Spiker, DPT, ATC Many people know the phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it” when it comes to strength training. But did you know that the same phrase also applies to your balance?  I have found that many people are scared to train their balance because they are fearful of losing their balance and falling. However, if we are not practicing the situations that make us unsteady (in a safe manner), we are only going to become more unsteady and fearful of falling. Our bodies will…

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Lower Back Training for Lifters with Back Pain

By: Ryan Bibeau, PT, DPT, CSCS, Clinical Athlete Powerlifting Coach Many gym-goers, especially powerlifters and olympic weightlifters, hit low back pain at some point. For a lot of them it's a frustrating stretch, and they struggle to find anything that actually manages the pain and gets them back to lifting. Most rehab and accessory plans lean on core stability drills like bird dogs and dead bugs. Those earn their place, but there's another area worth adding: isolated low back training. Why Isolated Low Back Training Works If you're dealing with…

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Powerlifting with Pain

Oftentimes when pain is felt during training we sometimes fall into the trap of “rest it and wait until it feels better”. Although this sometimes may be necessary, there are often other ways to continue to train around your pain. If you get pain with a lift, rather than immediately stop doing the lift, it can sometimes be a good idea to slightly alter the lift and then continue to address the impairment that is contributing to the pain in order to prevent regression. Examples  Low back pain while deadlifting…

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