5 Celebrities You May Not Know Used Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is something that we all can benefit from. From major accidents to minor injuries, a stint in physical therapy may do wonders in relieving that nagging pain and resuming normal function. But physical therapy isn’t just for athletes. Some actors and entertainers will utilize physical therapy to perform at their best. Some celebrities will even keep a physical therapist on staff. Here are just some examples:
Tokyo Olympics: Athletes to Watch
The summer Olympics are fast approaching. I know I am extremely excited to watch all the events after the games were delayed last year due to the pandemic. Olympians are elite athletes at the top of their fields. They train for many years for a chance to qualify for this giant international competition. With this intensity and dedication to training, injury does occur. Here are just a few athletes returning to qualify for the Olympics after sustaining an injury and when to look for them during the Tokyo Olympics!
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6 Exercises to Help Minimize an Injury to the ACL
With ACL injuries on the rise in young athletes, it is as important as ever to improve the strength in the lower limbs as a means to prevent an ACL tear.1 The average time of recovery after an ACL tear and subsequent surgery is typically six to nine months, and can set back an athlete for a much longer period of time than that.2 Biomechanics and strength are just a few pieces of the puzzle that can help prevent an injury. Proper rest, recovery, sleep, and nutrition can also help minimize the risk of an ACL tear from happening. The following are a list of strengthening exercises that address important aspects of an ACL prevention program.
Strength Training Considerations for Youth Athletes
As young kids’ participation in sports increases, strength training in youth athletes also continues to be seen more frequently. Strength is an important part of daily life as well as for participation in sports. Strength training at a young age can be beneficial for coordination, flexibility, and bone density as well as general health. We know that preventative exercise (prehabilitation) focuses on strengthening muscle groups that are overused in specific sports (i.e. rotator cuff for overhead throwing athletes) and it may reduce overuse injuries in these athletes. Increasing incidence of strength training may lead to questions about safety and how much training children should be doing for their age and level.
Return to Sports Stronger: Tips from a Physical Therapist
2020 has been a difficult and disappointing year for many high school athletes. Beginning with the cancellation of winter and spring seasons and now with fall/winter sports again in jeopardy, many athletes have missed a significant portion of their high school career. While there is nothing to replace the feeling of playing in games, there are many ways to stay active, remain competitive, and continue training for your sport. Here are some ideas from a physical therapist on how to stay in optimal shape in preparation for the return of athletics.
When to Ice for Injuries
Have you ever experienced an injury and wondered if you should ice? It’s usually a great idea, but there are some rules you need to follow so you don’t worsen your injury. Read below to learn, “is ice helpful?” and “when do I ice for an injury?”
Wrist Pain in Tumbling Athletes
Tumbling athletes, including gymnasts and cheerleaders, place unique demands on their upper body. When tumbling, the athlete places not only their entire body weight through the hands but can have up to 16 times their body weight in force going across the wrist.1 Due to these extreme conditions, pain in the wrist can occur.
An Athletic Trainer’s Role in Return to Sports
As fall begins, many schools have begun working towards a sports season that may allow high school or youth athletes to practice and compete. Depending on the state you are in, the level of participation may vary, but the goal is to begin offering a semblance of normalcy that brings back what people love. This return to sports has many moving parts, from the CDC and county health officials, to school administrators and health care providers; many people are involved in trying to keep athletes healthy if they choose to participate. For many schools, an athletic trainer is involved in nearly every discussion.
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