As a parent of a high school athlete aiming to compete at the collegiate level, you understand that speed can make all the difference. Faster athletes often outshine their competition, even in physical sports like football, where speed is a game-changer. Fortunately, there are proven ways to help your athlete enhance their speed and give them a competitive edge, whether they’re on the field, track, or court.
I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Catherine Biddle to our physical therapy team in Bethesda. Dr. Biddle specializes in treating gymnasts, dancers, and athletes with hypermobility related conditions. As a former Division I gymnast at Northern Illinois University, she brings both expertise and personal experience in overcoming sports injuries.
She was kind enough to tell us about the injury that inspired her to become a sports physical therapist and what you can learn from her journey.
This past Saturday, I had the privilege of being the performance physical therapy sponsor at an incredible event to raise funds for breast cancer research. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I could feel the energy. A throwback mix of NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Britney Spears filled the air, instantly taking me (and probably many others!) back to the days of Total Request Live on MTV. But it wasn’t just the music that made this event memorable—
Growing up, my grandma, Barbara, lived next door to us. She was a character—loving, funny, self-deprecating, and wise. I was lucky enough to spend time with her daily, soaking up her advice (whether I wanted it or not!). And while most of her advice was pure gold, there was one thing she got wrong—something I later discovered through my experience in sports physical therapy.
The rise of “dadbods” among some of the world’s greatest athletes marks a departure from the long-standing belief that athletes must conform to a particular body type to succeed. While these athletes may not fit the traditional image of being hyper-muscular or ultra-lean, their success lies in their ability to excel through explosive movements, agility, and endurance—qualities enhanced through a combination of performance training and specialized athletic physical therapy.
