In the last couple of weeks we have posted on the impact of strength training on endurance performance. Studies have shown resistance training improves both running and cycling economy leading to faster times. These studies add to our existing knowledge on the importance of endurance athletes balancing their endurance training with strength exercises. The pool...
Patients have a choice for where they attend Physical Therapy even if directed to a single PT practice by their physician. Unfortunately, physician owned physical therapy practices, either on or off site, are on the rise around the country and referrals are being driven to these practices due to financial incentives. These practices often utilize...
With a changing in the seasons we also see a changing of the sports in our Boulder County student athletes. Athletes previously focused on winter sports including swimming and basketball are now able to focus on spring sports including baseball and track. Prior research shows athletes who change sports during the sports year have half...
A common question we receive in clinic is how many repetitions should I perform of this strengthening exercise? Clearly, enough repetitions are needed under a given load to promote beneficial changes within the tissues for improvements in both healing and performance. Ranges of repetitions range from < 5, 8-12 reps, and >15 reps depending on...
As we move into Spring we begin to see our youth athletes return to the baseball diamond often with a sudden increase in practice volume. The sudden increase in throwing volume, either in the field or on the mound, places the athlete’s shoulder and elbow at greater risk of baseball injuries. The greatest risk factors for...
Swimming is the opening leg of the triathlon race and many athletes utilize this leg to establish position for the upcoming bike and run events of the competition. Swimming remains the hardest and often most dreaded of the 3 triathlon components for many competitors. For this group of competitors, a race strategy for the swim...
In our Physical Therapy practice, we continue to see early sports specialization in our youth athletes (pre pubescent). These athletes focus on playing one sport >8 months out of the year instead of changing sports more frequently or incorporating longer periods of rest. Despite scientific evidence showing a lack of performance benefit and a higher injury...
As we move through the Spring and into Summer many of our Boulder youth athletes are into their competitive baseball seasons. With increased games come increased pitch counts, arm fatigue, and over use injuries. From the literature we know there are some specific risk factors for future arm injury including pitching with a fatigued arm,...
Among Boulder endurance athletes many training variables are utilized to promote beneficial adaptations within our bodies. These adaptations to the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems lead to improved future performances in practice and competitions. One training variable includes interval training where athletes complete portions of endurance exercise at a high intensity followed by a recovery period....
Health care costs have continued to outpace inflation each year. Our previous posts have detailed the cost savings associated with seeing a Physical Therapist for many musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to saving health care expenses, Physical Therapy produces excellent outcomes for many musculoskeletal conditions. A recent review article summarized the cost effectiveness of Physical Therapy...
