Athletico Health Resources

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…)

You’ve made it through the 9 months of pregnancy and now you can interact with your adorable little one face to face!

With all the time spent snuggling, rocking, carrying, and feeding your infant, your back is feeling tense and sore. Wait! This is not how you imagined this special time would be! Caring for an infant creates new stresses on your lower and upper back. You now are carrying your little one frequently during the day in your arms or perhaps in their infant car seat. To soothe your baby, you may be standing and rocking or bouncing them for an extended period. You bend over frequently to pick them up from the crib or change their diapers. Even feeding them for an extended time puts stress on your upper back. What can you do about it now? (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…)

It’s that time of the year! The snow is falling, it’s getting colder and the sidewalks are a little slippery. A slip and fall onto your buttocks can result in a coccyx (tailbone) injury. If you see your physician about your pain, you could be diagnosed with coccygodynia, which is pain at the coccyx. (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…)