Early Sport Specialization (ESS)

Before I explain why, lets briefly get on the same page with a definition for Early Sport Specialization (ESS). Typically ESS refers to year-round (for at least 8 months) intensive training or competition in an organized sport by young athletes (<12 years of age) while excluding all other sports.

Injury Risk

One of the most studied problems with early specialization is increased injury risk compared to peers. The biggest factor contributing to this increased risk was participation in any individual sport for greater than 8 months of the year3. This is especially true in baseball pitchers where pitching for more than 8 months per year was correlated with a 500% increase in risk for Tommy John surgery. (I discuss this and other risk factors for UCL injury in my blog “Minimizing the Risk for UCL Injuries in Throwers” *hyperlink). Across all sports there is an increased injury risk of 1.81 times in highly specialized athletes compared to their multi-sport peers5.

April 2, 2024

weight lifting, Crossfit, Fitness

Jordan Bork, PT, DPT, CSCS, CFSC

Little League Shoulder

Little League shoulder, also known as proximal humeral epiphysitis, is a common overuse injury that affects young baseball players, typically between the ages of 11 and 15. It is characterized by pain and discomfort in the shoulder joint, specifically in the upper arm bone (humerus) near the growth plate.

November 20, 2023

Physical Therapy, Fitness, hiking, Knee

Mark Bouma, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, CFI

Raking Leaves

Mark Bouma, PT takes readers through the areas to watch out for while raking leaves. The fall changes in the PNW is a time of beautiful color but also typically wet and heavy leaves.

Patellofemoral pain is largely a diagnosis of exclusion. There can be many causes of knee pain and it is important for your healthcare provider to properly assess your individual condition. Many individuals have anterior knee pain with prolonged sitting with flexed knees.

There are three common provocative diagnostic tests that are most closely correlated with patellofemoral joint pain:

Squatting
Climbing Stairs
Eccentric Step-Down Test

Research has linked several key factors that may contribute to an individual developing patellofemoral pain. These factors are not present in everybody who has symptoms, but there are often impairments in one or more of these areas found during a physical therapy exam.

November 20, 2023

Physical Therapy, Fitness, Knee, Football, Hip, Neck pain, Running

Victor Kolar, PT, DPT, CSCS, TPIc

Turkey Bowl 2023

Victor Kollar, PT takes you through the areas to think about as you get ready for your annual turkey bowl football game.

September 28, 2023

Running, Cross-Fit, Crossfit

Liam Main, PT, DPT, CSCS

CrossFit

In the ever-evolving world of fitness, CrossFit has emerged as a dynamic and intense workout regimen that captivates enthusiasts seeking a combination of strength, endurance, and functional workout. While it has gained popularity rapidly over the last decade, there is a large amount of misinformation and preconceptions regarding it as a means of physical activity. As a physical therapist, my aim is to provide you with a holistic view of CrossFit—highlighting its benefits, potential drawbacks, and the role of physical therapy in your health journey.

Smart phone

Ben Wobker

March 13, 2020

Neck Pain

Ben Wobker

March 13, 2020

Neck Pain

Neck pain and Physical Therapy

If you are having neck pain, physical therapy is often recommended. After
ruling out serious conditions from your doctor, your PT will put together
a treatment program that may consist of:

- Manual therapy: to help with tissue healing and/or restoration of joint
mobility.
- Exercises: to help strengthen your neck and core and improve neutral
postural alignment.
- Pain relief: consisting of appropriate modalities such as ice, heat,
ultrasound, or electric stimulation.
- Patient education: on tips to help reduce stress on your neck in your
work and home environment.

The best new of all is that insurance covers PT sessions! A physical
therapist can work with you and modify your treatment program until you
are healed. Come see a PT today!