Athletico Health Resources

Today’s blog post is written by guest blogger, Steven Bagus, ATC, NASM-PES. Steven is currently the Assistant Athletic Trainer with the Chicago Fire and also had the opportunity to travel with USA Hockey in November 2013. (more…)

Today’s post was co-authored by Joey Brutzkus, ATC – intern with the Chicago Bears in 2010

Keeping players healthy in the NFL is tough enough under normal circumstances, but the distractions and change of venue for the Super Bowl can make that an even bigger challenge. Luckily, athletic trainers are used to working in foreign environments under quickly changing conditions. (more…)

Cheerleading takes athleticism. The sport necessitates strength, flexibility, endurance, and dedication.  Injury is a risk in any sport. However, several methods of prevention can be implemented to assist in avoiding injury. Below is a list of 10 ways a cheerleading related injury may be prevented. (more…)

In my last post on ACL injuries, I posted that overtraining can predispose someone to an ACL injury. Overtraining (spending too much time training without proper recovery) can have some serious health consequences. Overtraining is becoming an increasingly common problem as athletes are starting to specialize in one sport at younger ages. Discussing solutions to overtraining and specialization is always tough since it usually involves telling someone to play less of the sport they want to excel at. Having said that, research and anecdotal evidence both make a strong case for how varying up the sports you play through the year can lead to a healthier and more successful athletic career. (more…)

To answer that question: Sure, I think all of us would like to become a better runner next year. But how many of us actually will? Approximately 40-45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions but of those, how many can be 100% committed to that resolution throughout the entire year?

As physical therapists, when setting goals for our patients, we use the “SMART” principle. The essentials of goal setting are very similar to that of New Year’s resolutions and it will make it easier for you to end next year with success. (more…)

As a new year begins, have you begun to revise your personal goals or New Year’s resolutions for 2014? A top choice for many people usually includes something to do with exercise, health, fitness, or sports. As a physical therapist, I am fully on board when individuals, friends, families, players, coworkers, or teams want to get up and get moving. However, before you start that ramped up exercise program, fitness routine, physically demanding occupation, or competitive sport, make sure your movement is up to par for your activity. I’m sure “going to physical therapy” is not on your short list of 2014 goals.  An excellent way to accomplish this is to get yourself, your workplace, or your team a Functional Movement Screen™. (more…)

With the cold temperatures and snow arriving, cabin fever may not be far off. Despite the weather, it is important to get out, get some fresh air, and have some fun during the winter months. So why not bundle up and go sledding?! Sledding can provide hours of entertainment for all ages. Not only is it a fun activity for the whole family, but it burns calories as well. So find that snow-covered hill in your neighborhood and start your adventure. Here are five tips to help you have a safe and fun time. (more…)

You might notice that you are feeling a little more tired, a little less motivated, and overall a little “down.” You are not alone! This happens to many people every year as the cold creeps in. As the days shorten, people tend to come down with the “winter blues”. Here are 6 ways that you can beat them and enjoy the winter season. (more…)