Health Resources

Hip Pain: So you Literally Have a Pain in your Butt

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Athletico

I’m referring to the ache in the back of your hip that’s been there for a few weeks.

First, you thought it would just go away. Next, you talked to a family member or friend, who recommended “rubbing this cream on it.” Then, you Googled it. Some methods worked, others made your hip pain worse…so what’s next? Time to see your Athletico Physical Therapist[1]. (more…)

Runner’s Cramps: Why You Get Them and How You Can Prevent Them

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Athletico

Most runners have experienced it: your run is going smoothly and you're feeling great, then all of a sudden you succumb to the dreaded side stitch, calf cramp or that feeling of “having to go.” Muscle and stomach issues can stop a runner dead in their tracks. With varying spring temperatures, muscle cramps are more common, as there is little opportunity to adjust to the change in weather. (more…)

Stretch of the Week: 1/2 Lord of the Fishes

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Athletico

The last of April’s internal hip rotation stretches is one from the yoga world called 1/2 Lord of the Fishes. Fun name!

It is also a bonus stretch because it adds an upper body twist.

If you have or are experiencing any of these please refrain from doing the stretch: sacral problems, hip or knee pain, especially with rotating inward, or low back pain when twisting. In addition, if you have trouble getting up or down from the floor this stretch may not be for you. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is right for you. You will not need any equipment for this stretch. (more…)

Mallet Finger: A Common Sports Injury

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Athletico

From a high level competition to a weekend pick-up game, any athlete can experience a hand injury.  Bumping, jamming, crushing, or cutting the backside of the finger near the tip, can cause a tendon injury known as a mallet finger. (more…)

Throw the Perfect Fastball and Prevent Tommy John Surgery in Baseball

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Paul Kohler, MS, OTR/L, CHT

Major League Baseball (MLB) has had home run eras, base stealing eras, and dead ball eras.  Now, we have the “velocity” era where starting and relieving pitchers are throwing harder than ever.

• 2007 | Pitchers 25 years or younger threw a fastball with an average velocity of 90.8 mph.
• 2008 | 13 different relievers threw a fastball at an average of 95 mph or greater.
• 2013 | The number of relievers that threw 95 mph or greater grew from 13 to 46.
• 2013 | The same age group of pitchers (25 years or younger) averaged 92.5 mph fastballs.

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Stretch of the Week: Eagle Legs

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Athletico

For the 3^rd week of April we will review an internal hip rotation movement that will also help to build stability and balance.

This exercise is called Eagle Legs in the yoga world.

You will need a sturdy chair for this stretch.  If you have a history of hip or knee injuries (pain, impingement), hip replacements, have difficulty balancing or have a history of falls, it is not recommended to perform this exercise. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you. (more…)

Do You Have Golfer’s Elbow? Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Athletico

Fore!!..............

It's that time of year again when the links are heating up....and so are complaints of elbow pain.  Many recreational golfers may experience pain on the inside of their elbows after picking up the clubs again this summer.  Some refer to this elbow pain as “golfer's elbow”.  This condition can be very painful, and even causes some to give up the game. (more…)

Stretch of the Week: Prone Double Internal Rotation Stretch

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Athletico

Continuing with the theme of internal rotation of the hip, for week two we will review a stretch while lying face down.

This is the Prone Double Internal Rotation stretch.

You will need some wall space for this week’s stretch. If you have trouble coming all the way to the floor you can perform this on the bed as well. As with last week’s exercise, you should not perform this stretch if you have or are currently experiencing the following: hip injuries, hip replacements, hip impingement, or pain when rotating the hip or knee inward. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you. (more…)