Navigating the path through physical therapy and back to training after a shoulder injury is like threading a needle. It’s tricky and demanding, and if not done right, it can lead to setbacks. At Cohen Health and Performance, our experiences in McLean and Bethesda have given us invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Here are five common errors that can derail your recovery journey in physical therapy.
In 2010, I was a graduate physical therapy student at Northeastern University and an assistant strength and conditioning coach with their varsity athletics program. The summer season was particularly exciting, as it marked the arrival of first-year student-athletes who were eager to begin their team’s rigorous strength and conditioning program.
As the new athletes arrived, our strength and conditioning staff advised me that many freshmen typically had limited sports performance training experience. This often left them lagging behind their more experienced teammates. They were right.
Young athletes have many different options, including different programs, coaches, companies, etc. So, how do you know which option is best?
Start by understanding the design of the sports performance program and who is directing it.
When does knee pain escalate from a whisper to a call for professional help? The answer isn’t cloaked in mystery; it lies in the skillful hands of sports physical therapists. Their expertise, honed through rigorous training, empowers them to discern between knee woes that can be alleviated through their craft and those that necessitate a physician’s touch. With access to physical therapy care typically being swifter and more cost-effective than a physician visit, it’s pragmatic to turn to a physical therapist as a first resort for managing knee pain. Persisting symptoms beyond a week? It is time to schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist.
Up next in our 4-part physical therapy for swimmers series is a crowd favorite, backstroke!
Backstroke is often the first or second stroke that a swimmer masters. It appeals to many swimmers by allowing them to breath through the entirety of the stroke and keep their face out of the water.
But, this does not mean that the backstroke is simple. Backstroke involves asymmetrical arm and leg motions, requiring coordination of upper and lower rotation around a fixed neck and head. This stroke requires strong shoulder external rotation, adduction, and a powerful kick to keep the swimmer afloat on their back.
What alternatives are out there besides surgery? Hint: it could be regenerative medicine and physical therapy!
Why are young athletes starting to experience injuries that once were only seen in adults?
Is it better to use your sport to be fit, or first be fit for your sport?
