Icing Sports Injuries May Be Slowing Your Healing
When injuries strike, the first line treatment that comes to mind for most people is the RICE acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Initially coined in 1978 by Dr. Gabe Mirken, the belief that ice helps reduce inflammation paved the way for how most people (including physical therapists) treat injuries. But Dr. Mirken has […]
Why a Physical Therapist is the Best Person to Perform Your Athlete’s Sports Physical
As parents, we want our kids to thrive, both on and off the field. Sports are an incredible way for budding athletes to build confidence, learn teamwork, and stay active. But with the thrill of the game comes the reality of potential injuries. That’s why the annual sports physical is so crucial – and why […]
Blood Flow Restriction Training: Building Strength with Lighter Loads
As a physical therapy group, our world revolves around helping people improve their function and regain strength after an injury or surgery. We also help athletes become more efficient and powerful in their chosen sport. One tool in our ever-expanding tool belt is blood flow restriction training, also known as BFR training. We sat down […]
Understanding and Treating IT Band Syndrome
For the avid runner, there is nothing like feeling your feet pounding the ground with each step or the high you get when a good run is done. It’s called ‘runner’s high’ for a reason, but that high can come crashing down when injury strikes. One injury, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome (ITBS), is the bane […]
Dry Needling: Philadelphia’s Reset Button for Pain and Muscle Tightness
Have you ever experienced muscle tightness that limits your sports performance or restricts your ability to move a certain way? How about chronic pain or pain that doesn’t go away despite the injury having fully healed? Dry needling is making waves, and for a good reason—it works, and it works quickly. It has been available […]
How Shockwave Therapy Gave One Philadelphia Woman Her Life Back
Michelle has been a runner for as long as she can remember. Running provided a release from the stress of the day when she could get outside and pound the pavement for an hour or so. But chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs put this beloved pastime on hold. “I tried everything,” […]
Growth Spurts, Sports, and the Knee: A Recipe for Trouble
A common complaint among children as they are growing is lower leg pain. As parents and coaches, we write this off as growing pains that will eventually wane. However, for many young athletes, another issue is at play. Jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, is a common overuse injury that plagues athletes across various […]
Skiing with a Bum Knee: A Guide to Pain-Free Powder Days
Chondromalacia Patella: A Story of Determination and Recovery For many, the winter season is synonymous with the thrill of skiing. The crisp mountain air, the breathtaking views, and the exhilarating feeling of gliding down a snowy slope are hard to resist. However, for those dealing with chronic knee pain, the prospect of skiing can be […]
Unlocking Shoulder Strength: Overcoming Shoulder Pain to Power Your Moves
According to the National Institute of Health, shoulder pain is one of the most pervasive orthopedic issues individuals face today. Whether you’re an athlete pushing the limits in sports like baseball or swimming, a CrossFit enthusiast, or even someone tackling daily tasks like reaching into an overhead cabinet to grab a plate for dinner, the […]
Pushing Through the Pain: A Marathon Training Dilemma
Marathon running is a grueling test of physical and mental endurance, and with such a demanding sport comes the risk of sustaining injuries. It’s crucial for distance runners to understand the intricacies of common running injuries and how to navigate the fine line between pushing through the pain and knowing when to stop, rest, and […]