Athletico Health Resources

Pickleball has recently taken the news by storm as one of the fastest-growing sports, which means it can lead to potential injury if you’re not proactive. As a pro pickleball player and a physical therapist, I want to see you on the court, not in my clinic. Therefore, I will outline my favorite tips, which I use personally and with my patients to maintain strength and decrease the likelihood of injury. As an athlete, muscles are essential to perform; they support our joints to promote optimal function while minimizing stress. But you don’t have to be a pro athlete to reap the benefits of a fun and social sport like pickleball! Whether you’re a pickleball prodigy or simply enjoy a game or two on the weekends at your local court, here are three common pickleball injuries to be on the lookout for: (more…)

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is between 5% and 12%. Unusual for chronic pain conditions, the prevalence rates of TMJ disorders are higher among younger persons. This pain can lead to missed workdays and frequent trips to your primary care provider or dentist. This article will discuss why physical therapy may be what you need to assist in getting rid of that pain and getting back to enjoying life. (more…)

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common ailment experienced by athletes, runners, and individuals who engage in high-impact activities. Symptoms include pain along the shinbone (tibia), which often results from repetitive stress on the bone and the connective tissues surrounding it. Shin splints are preventable with the right strategies and habits. Let’s look at some prevention tips and when it’s time to seek out the professionals. (more…)

You had the unimaginable happen; you tore your ACL. You probably felt it pop or knew exactly what happened when it happened. Your mind immediately started going 1000 miles per minute, thinking about the worst. “My season is over!” “Will I ever be able to play again?” “What happens next?” All these questions and more are likely swirling through your head, sending anxious thoughts through the roof. ACL tears are quite common in the sports injury world; anywhere from 100,000-200,000 people tear their ACL in a given year. While you may be worried now, this blog will outline steps to help inform your decisions moving forward and determine what will be best for your situation. (more…)

Tumbling activities put a lot of force through the spine and can put more stress on the lower back in certain circumstances. Tumbling athletes occasionally have an injury and report a “broken back.” What does this really mean? For the purpose of this blog, we will focus on the lower back or lumbar region only. We’ll dive into what a broken back is, and how recovery may look with a goal of returning to tumbling sports such as cheerleading or gymnastics. (more…)

You must pee before leaving your house. Whenever you go out, you know exactly where the bathrooms are located. Just walking past a toilet can sometimes trigger the need to go. And when the urge to pee hits, no one better stand in your way. Sound familiar? (more…)

The summer Olympics are fast approaching. Gymnastics for the Olympics includes artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline events. If you plan to tune in to any Gymnastics coverage from Paris, here is some information on how gymnastics is scored and who to look for on Team USA. (more…)

A robust and healthy spine is crucial for overall well-being, supporting mobility, posture, and daily functionality. As a physical therapist, I encounter numerous cases where preventive measures make a significant difference in maintaining spinal health. In this blog post, I'll share five essential tips based on my experience and current research to ensure your spine stays strong and resilient. Let's embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier back!

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