Athletico Health Resources

Gymnastics is a sport with large demands on the upper body. Male gymnasts especially rely on the strength and stabilization of the upper body for many of their events such as rings, pommel horse, vault, high bar, parallel bar and floor. Research has shown that a gymnast can experience up to 16 times their body weight through their arms during gymnastics events.¹ Injuries are often seen at the shoulders in the male gymnast. In addition to overall shoulder strength, male gymnasts need shoulder stability to perform their sport. (more…)

By Shelia Tenny, OTR/L, CHT and Ellie Park, OTD/s Avocado’s have increased in popularity, as the heart healthy benefits and high nutrient content of this super-food, have made them a favorite condiment, side dish, salad and sandwich topper. Let’s face it, they’re creamy and delicious! On the down side, there has been a rise in avocado related hand injuries due to self-inflicted knife accidents. The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons has even warned the public regarding the safety risk of cutting avocados.¹ (more…)

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel to the toes. While this location ideally positions the plantar fascia to fulfill its role as a stabilizing structure, it ultimately predisposes the area to repetitive use and the potential for inflammation and chronic tissue changes. (more…)

Dancers are often known for the beautiful lines and shapes they can achieve with their bodies. They are able to spin on the tips of their toes and jump high into the air, landing ever so gracefully on their feet. Due to the demands of the sport, it is not a surprise that foot and ankle injuries account for more than half of the injuries sustained by pre-professional and professional ballet dancers.¹ Read below to learn about some of the most common foot and ankle injuries that impact dancers. (more…)

Carpal tunnel is one of the most well-known and commonly treated hand/wrist conditions. Some of the telltale signs of this condition include numbness and/or tingling throughout your thumb, index finger and middle finger, as well as weakened grip strength and decreased hand coordination. Not everyone notices pain, although pain in the palm or wrist is not uncommon. (more…)

The time for you to move is no better than now. If you’re reading this, chances are you want to make a change in your life. Change equals the combination of knowledge, motivation and opportunity.⁶ Today we will review movement and exercise knowledge. I hope this message will resonate with you and provide motivation for movement. (more…)

Jennifer sits in class, not being able to concentrate on anything except the constant burning she feels in her bladder. Susan has to miss out on family outings, because she is embarrassed that she has to go to the bathroom every fifteen minutes. Tom has severe urinary urgency and lower abdominal pain that has taken all the joy out of his everyday life. Sara’s marriage is on the rocks because the excruciating pain she feels with intercourse is destroying her intimacy with her husband, who feels rejected. (more…)

The past eight months in my new role as a father-to-be has challenged my organizational, physical and power tool skills in order to prepare our home for the new baby’s arrival. During the week, I work 40+ hours as a hand/occupational therapist treating and rehabilitating patients’ upper extremity conditions. On the weekends, endless home improvement projects have left my hands, wrists, and elbows feeling more sore, inflamed and tighter than ever before. My own recent upper extremity symptoms have led me to practice everything that I preach in the clinic. (more…)