Shoulder pain is a very common issue for rock climbers, largely because climbing places high and repetitive demands on the shoulder’s muscles, tendons, and joint structures. The most frequent causes include rotator cuff problems (such as tendinopathy, strain, or tears), subacromial impingement, and biceps tendinopathy — injuries that arise from both acute sudden movements and chronic...
Low back pain is a frequent challenge for athletes who place high demands on their bodies, especially gymnasts, CrossFit athletes, golfers, climbers, and those involved in team sports. These athletes often combine heavy loading, explosive power, rotation, and end-range positions — all of which require the spine to transfer force efficiently. When mobility, strength, or...
By: Lucas Glomb, PT, DPT, OCS High-quality ACL rehabilitation should be criterion-based, not time-based. Most people recovering from ACL surgery are told they’ll return to sport in 6–9 months. While healing timelines matter, time alone does not determine readiness. Two people at the same point on the calendar can have completely different strength, movement quality,...
At 9 to 12 months out of ACL reconstruction surgery athletes begin to plan their return to competition. The preceding 9 months of post operative ACL Physical Therapy has re established mobility, strength, biomechanics, power, and endurance. The 8 and 9th months also allow a gradual return to full practice including scrimmages. Post operative return...
By: Lucas Glomb, PT, DPT, OCS If you’ve had ACL reconstruction or are preparing for surgery, graft choice plays a major role in how your knee heals and how physical therapy progresses. At Mend Physical Therapy, we work with ACL patients across Colorado to tailor rehab based on the specific graft used and the demands...
By: Lucas Glomb, PT, DPT, OCS Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction is one of the most critical, and most misunderstood, phases of rehabilitation. Too often, athletes are cleared to return based on time since surgery alone, rather than objective readiness. At Mend Physical Therapy, we use criterion-based ACL rehab and return-to-sport testingto help athletes...
By: Ian Nay, PT, DPT, OCS Mobility work is often emphasized for pain relief, injury prevention, and performance, but how much is truly necessary? Recent research suggests that strength training performed through full ranges of motion may provide many of the mobility benefits people seek, with targeted mobility work serving as a valuable supplement rather...
Gymnastics is a very demanding physical sport requiring mobility, strength, endurance, and coordination. Athletes often train at high volumes each week involving multiple days per week, long daily training sessions, and competitions. Gymnastics is also one of the fastest growing sports for youth and adolescents over the last few years. The combination of high participation...
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care from their primary care physician and Physical Therapist. The most common shoulder diagnosis among these patients is impingement. This diagnosis occurs when soft tissue structures in the shoulder, such as the rotator cuff, are compressed between the bones of the shoulder. Although a...
ACL injuries are one of the most devastating injuries for any athlete. Athletes often experience the sudden loss of identity, as well as, their daily and athletic function. They face a long, challenging recovery, including Physical Therapy, after surgery. The 9 month post operative period before their return to competitive sport is challenging and requires...
