Athletico Health Resources

Physical therapy originated in the late 1800s/early 1900s and has grown over the decades. There are various misconceptions about present-day physical therapy and what it is versus what it isn’t. Let’s take a look at five common misconceptions about physical therapy and reveal the truth about this valuable medical profession. (more…)

With the increased popularity of gaming, otherwise known as eSports, or video gaming, there is increased potential for repetitive injuries in teens and young adults. This type of gaming allows players to participate from their home office or even their bedroom, using a handheld controller keyboard and mouse, or touch screen, possibly while wearing a headset to communicate with fellow teammates. Even though it is not a contact sport, injuries can occur. Here are some tips to prevent injuries, fatigue and strain, and treatment options if you experience a gaming injury. (more…)

The wait is finally over - the professional football season kicks off tonight! This also marks the start of Fantasy Football, a fun social experience that brings people together over some friendly competition. (more…)

Taut bands can exist within your body that disrupt blood flow to your muscles. The affected area can become an acidic environment and begin to radiate pain elsewhere in the body. Trigger points are when those taut bands start to refer pain elsewhere. A technique called dry needling can help with this referred or local pain. Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and release underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues. It can help manage neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. Dry needling is used for a variety of diagnoses, from headaches and migraines to low back pain. This helpful technique is also a treatment option for plantar fasciitis. This condition often affects endurance athletes. (more…)

A common question we get as physical therapists is, “What can I do to stretch this tight muscle?” While stretching may seem like the best method to treat a tight muscle, stretching may also not always be the answer. Muscle tightness can be caused by weakness or tightness of the muscle, and weakness in surrounding muscles. Most commonly, all of these things are involved on some level, which causes a muscle to tighten. (more…)

It’s back to school time! How much do you know about your kids’ backpacks - how much they weigh, how it should fit, and how to prevent aches and pains from backpack wear. Take our quiz and test your knowledge! (more…)

Three Athletico clinicians recently had the experience of a lifetime traveling to the Tokyo Olympics earlier this summer. Read about each of their experiences below, the teams they supported, and the work they did to keep their Olympic athletes healthy for competition! (more…)

On August 24th, 2021 we proudly celebrate a significant milestone – our 30th anniversary! We can’t help but look back and reflect on our humble beginnings. It all started in 1991 when Mark Kaufman founded Athletico as a one-clinic organization that offered athletic training services to a local Chicago high school and rugby club. (more…)