Here’s a little gift—our most popular article of 2024, just for you!
“My Doctor Said I’m Cleared to Play!”
My patient was thrilled. After months of physical therapy, recovering from knee surgery, she finally received the green light to return to playing soccer.
Unfortunately, I had to bring her back to reality.
Back when I was in physical therapy school, I also worked as a strength and conditioning coach with athletes at Northeastern University. Part of our job was to include “corrective” exercises in every training session to address mobility limitations or movement issues. These were low-intensity stretches, mobility drills, and other movements that athletes did as part of their warmup.
“Do I Need Surgery? “
If you’ve faced a significant injury and are anything like our sports physical therapy patients, this question probably crossed your mind.
Have you been told to always keep your back straight and stiff when lifting? When it comes to preventing back pain, the truth is, it’s not as simple as that.
For years, the advice to lift with a “perfectly straight back” has been the go-to solution, but there’s no solid evidence that it reduces back pain or injury. Surprised? Let’s explore why this outdated advice might be holding you back and how back pain physical therapy can help you build a stronger, more resilient back.
What helps elite athletes avoid serious injuries and maintain peak performance? It’s not just skill or power—it’s their pillar strength. Pillar strength, commonly referred to as core strength, forms the foundation of efficient, injury-free movement. A strong pillar allows you to break through training plateaus, improve your performance, and significantly reduce your risk of injuries.
If you’re an active adult who values fitness and staying in peak condition, you’ve probably encountered the occasional advice on “must-do” exercises. But, as our bodies and needs evolve, certain exercises may no longer serve us as well as they once did, or they may come with risks that outweigh their benefits. At Cohen Health and Performance, we’re committed to helping clients in Bethesda and McLean stay active and injury-free with exercise choices that prioritize safety and effectiveness.
