Strength Training for Physical Therapy
During my 6 years as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have consistently searched for the latest research, most innovative techniques and world-renowned successful trainers to study, in order to provide the best possible care to my clientele. In 2018 I completed a year long Sports Specialist for PT certification, which focused solely on the rehabilitation of all types of athletes. The program provided by Evidence in Motion (EIM) was top notch and completely rejuvenated my thought process for treating my athletic patients. However I began to think...athletes of all sports require such large physical demands during practice and game-time. How is it possible that your traditional physical therapy programs with elastic bands, ankle weights and a few dumbbells/kettlebells can be enough to truly provide adequate care & testing of these athletes during their rehabilitation? The answer is, with the right physical therapist and a bright, creative mind, anything is possible. However, would a program incorporating strength & conditioning be BETTER for recovery?
A study published in 2019 by Peter Hart and Diona Buck (two staff members of Montana State University), examined the benefits of resistance training as it pertained to quality of life & pain. Results of this systematic review (16 other studies) showed that resistance training can improve mental health and reduce body pain. Quality of life is a measure that physical therapists consistently seek with their clients. I want all of my patients to feel as though my style of therapy has provided them not only with the physical benefits but also allowed them to reach & meet all of their goals, as it relates to their injury. If I can satisfy this with a strength training program, I absolutely will!
From an athletic standpoint, I strive to provide every measure of testing for the athlete, before they go off and perform their activity on their own. I want my clients to feel more confident, stronger and more competent with sport-specific movement than they were before they even suffered their injury! This means, reviewing their squat mechanics and getting the crossfitter comfortable under a barbell again, so they are confident once they return to their first big workout. It means making sure the high-school basketball player understands and performs proper jumping/landing mechanics during plyometrics, so the first rebound is a breeze. It’s about making sure the Division-II baseball pitcher can hip-hinge & deadlift without breaking form and improving hamstring stretch so the shoulder does not take all of the stress from deceleration. These are just a few examples but the list goes on and on. Resistance training is at the center of this style of rehabilitation. Building a strong body, developing muscle and teaching proper mechanics is the foundation of creating resiliency and providing an injury-resistant future for all clients.
Thankfully, I am fortunate to treat my clients within Olympia Fitness & Performance in Cranston, RI. We have access to top-of-the-line equipment and the space to truly test our athletes in ways that most other practices cannot. Our facility is filled with the most knowledgeable strength trainers in the region, with experience at every level of sport and competition. You better believe we share ideas, explore new concepts and consistently work together to be the leading recovery, rehabilitation & sports-performance team in the nation.
If you are interested in working with us in any fashion (physical therapy, massage therapy, strength & conditioning), click the links below and contact our experts ASAP.
https://www.composuresportsmassage.com/
If physical therapy is the primary concern, click the button below to schedule a FREE Discovery Session to allow our Doctors of Physical Therapy to discuss your injury and find out how our methods can transform your life!