Athletico Health Resources

As an Athletico physical therapist, I have been supporting The Joffrey Ballet for more than five years. I usually work with the dancers while they are rehearsing and performing in Chicago, where my job is to triage, evaluate and treat issues that may arise from their rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. Recently, my career with The Joffrey Ballet took me beyond Chicago, when I traveled with the company to three different cities across the country. We started in snowy, cold Minneapolis for two performances of a full length ballet called Anna Karenina, then off to Santa Barbara for two mixed repertory shows, and finished with one final performance in San Diego. (more…)

The average American spends more than four hours on their mobile devices texting, checking email, playing games and browsing social media. In addition, many spend a large portion of the work day typing and mousing on the computer.^1,2 The trouble with the amount of time spent on these devices is that they are not ergonomically designed for heavy, repetitive use. Unfortunately, many people don’t become aware of this until they experience pain in their hands and thumbs. (more…)

Does the aching pain in your heel have you adjusting your training program this running season? Countless runners suffer from Achilles tendon injuries every year and these injuries can often be a limiting factor in your ability to maintain a training program, advance your mileage and meet your personal record goals. The good news is that we have therapists at Athletico trained and prepared to help you overcome this injury and get back to pounding the pavement. (more…)

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…)