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Pre-Race Shakeout: Nervous Twitch or Performance Edge?

Posted on November 13, 2026 by Clinton Boone, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN

A popular routine among runners – from local 5Ks to the Chicago Marathon – is “shakeout runs,” which are short, low-intensity bouts of exercise typically lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Far from being a “junk mile,” the shakeout is a strategic tool used by elites and amateurs alike to bridge the gap between a period of tapering (rest) and the intensity of race day. (more…)

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Endurance Running low intensity runs running strides running warm up shakeout runs

The Rising Concern of Concussions in Sports: What the Numbers Reveal

Posted on November 11, 2026 by Peter Batz, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, AIB-VRC

Concussions have become one of the most pressing health concerns in the world of sports. From youth leagues to professional arenas, the risk of head injuries has prompted widespread attention from medical professionals, athletic organizations, and policymakers alike. But how prevalent are concussions in sports today, and what can be done to mitigate their impact? (more…)

Tackling Common Football Injuries: The Role of Physical Therapy Prevention

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Peter Batz, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, AIB-VRC

Football is one of the most physically demanding sports, combining speed, strength, and strategy. However, its high-impact nature also makes it one of the leading causes of sports-related injuries, especially among youth and amateur athletes1. Fortunately, physical therapy plays a crucial role not only in recovery but also in injury prevention.  (more…)

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Football Sports

No Doctor’s Referral Needed: Your One-Way Ticket to Living Pain-Free

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Peter Batz, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, AIB-VRC

What if the fastest path to feeling better didn’t involve waiting weeks for appointments, referrals, or imaging orders? For many people, that path already exists— you can see a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor. (more…)

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Direct Access physical therapy

Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy: Achieving Quality Outcomes for Timely Claims Resolution and Cost Reduction

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Brian Houchin, PT

When it comes to clinical care for individuals who are injured on the job, physical and occupational therapy can have a significant role in helping injured workers return to work in a safe, efficient, timely, and sustainable manner. This is important for the injured worker and for all stakeholders in the work comp realm, whether it be a case manager, claims professional, employer, or PT network. Driving these outcomes requires more than just a focus on effective treatment techniques – it requires an approach that is proactive, structured, evidence-based, and collaborative. At Athletico, our clinical and operational focus is committed to delivering in all of these areas. (more…)

Do I Have Vertigo, Am I Off Balance, or Am I Dizzy?

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Peter Batz, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, AIB-VRC

Many people use the words: dizzy, off balance, and vertigo interchangeably but technically speaking, they don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you better describe your symptoms, know when to seek care, and reduce anxiety about what you’re feeling. (more…)

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Vestibular Physical Therapy dizziness feeling off balance imbalance

Key Movements to Rebuild Muscle After a Back Injury

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Tanner Neuberger, PT, DPT, TDN Level 1

Back injuries are incredibly common, data suggests that up to 80% of people will experience back pain at least once in their lifetime, and many will have recurring episodes. This doesn’t mean the spine is fragile. In fact, the spine is strong, adaptable, and built to move. What often follows an injury, however, is a temporary loss of strength, reduced load tolerance, and a decrease in confidence with movement. (more…)

Using Exercise to Improve Sleep

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Dani McIntyre, PT, DPT

The current recommended hours of sleep for an adult is seven to nine hours per night. The CDC reports an estimated 35% of Americans are not achieving the minimum seven hours. There are many documented health risks for not getting the minimum seven hours of sleep, including increased weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, difficulty focusing, increased pain, and impaired immune function. (more…)