Keep Training Strong with Expert Sports Rehab
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a CrossFit devotee, or an everyday gym goer pushing for personal records, injuries and pain can be huge roadblocks to your goals. At Bounceback Physical Therapy, I’m here to get you off the sidelines and back to doing what you love – lifting, running, jumping, and competing at your best. I understand the demands athletes put on their bodies. My Hixson clinic (inside Lift Gym) is uniquely equipped to serve Chattanooga, Hixson, Red Bank, Soddy-Daisy, Lakesite and surrounding areas’ athletic community with top-notch sports rehabilitation and performance-focused care. Unlike general physical therapy that might tell you to “rest for 6 weeks,” I know you’re eager to maintain your training. I’ll work closely with you to rehab your injury and keep you as active as safely possible throughout the process. If you’re looking for a PT who really “gets” athletes, you’re in the right place. Book your discovery call today to start your comeback journey!
Injuries and Pain Common to Athletes & Gym Rats
From weightlifting to running to team sports, active bodies can face a range of injuries. The good news is, I treat them all. Some of the typical sports-related conditions I manage include:
My Athlete-Centered Rehab and Performance Approach
What sets Bounceback Physical Therapy apart for athletes and avid gym-goers is my dual focus on rehabilitation and performance. I not only want to heal your injury, but also correct any weaknesses or form issues to actually improve your athletic performance and prevent future setbacks. Here’s how I do it:
Throughout your rehab, I emphasize technique. Athletes often have the drive to push hard; I channel that drive into doing things right. You’ll receive constant feedback and adjustments during exercises (no unattended “3 sets of 10 and I’ll be back” here!). This not only helps you heal but can dramatically improve your future performance.
Winning Results for Local Athletes
My approach has helped Chattanooga-area athletes of all kinds conquer injuries and even reach new personal bests. Just listen to April’s story:
“I went to see him because I had shoulder surgery and it didn’t solve the pain. A few sessions with him helped more than the surgery! …Chase is great to work with and I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to optimize themselves.” – April, avid athlete and gym-goer
April had undergone a surgical procedure hoping to fix her shoulder, but she still wasn’t able to work out pain-free afterward. Frustrating, right? After working with me, she experienced more improvement in just a few physical therapy sessions than she had post-surgery – and she got back to her workouts, feeling stronger and more confident. She even mentions “optimizing” herself, which is exactly my mission: not just getting you out of pain, but optimizing your body for peak performance.
You don’t have to settle for sitting on the sidelines or doing half-hearted training due to fear of injury. With the right physical therapy partner, you can come back stronger. Book your discovery call today and let’s talk about your athletic goals and challenges. Whether you’re rehabbing a sports injury or looking to prevent one, I’m here to support you. My one-on-one, athlete-centered approach is the edge you need to stay fit, healthy, and at the top of your game. Serving athletes from Chattanooga to Soddy-Daisy, my Hixson facility is ready to help you crush your recovery and get back to crushing your workouts!
Injuries and Pain Common to Athletes & Gym Rats
From weightlifting to running to team sports, active bodies can face a range of injuries. The good news is, I treat them all. Some of the typical sports-related conditions I manage include:
- Shoulder Pain: Frequent in weightlifters, swimmers, baseball/softball players, and anyone doing overhead motions. You might have rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement, or a strained shoulder muscle from that last heavy bench press or serve. I also see a lot of shoulder & arm pain from sports like tennis or CrossFit (think kipping pull-ups or overhead lifts).
- Knee Pain: From runner’s knee in marathon trainers to ACL or meniscus sprains in weekend basketball leagues – knee issues are rampant among athletes. Squatting, jumping, and cutting moves can all cause knee pain. I commonly treat patellar tendinitis, IT band syndrome (outer knee pain often in runners), and general knee aches that flare up during training.
- Ankle & Foot Injuries: Athletes are no strangers to ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis (foot arch pain). Whether you rolled your ankle playing soccer or your Achilles is tight from sprinting, proper rehab is key to avoid long-term problems. I also help with chronic ankle instability and foot pain that might be affecting your running form or squat depth.
- Hip Pain: Hip flexor strains, groin pulls, and hip pain from overuse can sideline runners, dancers, and lifters alike. Tight hips and weak glutes can also contribute to lower body injuries. I often see hip and pelvic alignment issues in athletes, which can lead to pain radiating to the knee or back if not addressed.
- Lower Back Pain: Heavy lifting (done with imperfect form or fatigue) and high-impact sports can both lead to lower back pain in athletes. From a minor muscle strain to more stubborn issues like a herniated disc or spondylolisthesis, I’ve seen it. Athletes often try to “push through” back pain, but that can worsen the problem – it’s better to get it treated so you can train without risking further injury.
- Neck Pain & Headaches: Collision sports or weightlifting with poor head/neck posture (think grinding out a squat with your neck strained forward) can result in neck injuries or cervicogenic headaches. While not as common as other issues, I do treat athletes with neck pain and resulting headaches, especially in sports like football, wrestling, or rugby, or in weightlifters with technique issues.
My Athlete-Centered Rehab and Performance Approach
What sets Bounceback Physical Therapy apart for athletes and avid gym-goers is my dual focus on rehabilitation and performance. I not only want to heal your injury, but also correct any weaknesses or form issues to actually improve your athletic performance and prevent future setbacks. Here’s how I do it:
- One-on-One, Sport-Specific Evaluation: I start by talking about your training routine, sports, and goals. I analyze your movement – possibly even looking at your squat form, your running gait, or how you throw a ball. This helps me identify underlying factors: maybe limited ankle mobility is affecting your squat, or weak scapular muscles are contributing to your shoulder pain on the tennis court. This sport-specific lens ensures I don’t miss a beat in your rehab plan.
- Manual Therapy for Faster Recovery: Athletes often develop tight, shortened muscles and restricted joints (e.g., an overhead athlete might have a stiff thoracic spine and lats). I use extensive manual therapy to get you feeling looser and moving better right away. Soft tissue mobilization, deep tissue massage, joint adjustments – these hands-on methods relieve pain and help restore your full range of motion, which is crucial for getting back to training. (You’ll be amazed how improving your ankle mobility with manual therapy can instantly help your squat depth or how releasing a shoulder trigger point can let you serve pain-free again.)
- Dry Needling for Muscles Overworked by Training: Many athletes swear by dry needling to speed up muscle recovery. I use dry needling to target those hard knots in your calves, quads, traps – wherever you have muscle tension from intense training. It’s like hitting the “reset” button on a tight muscle, allowing it to relax and function properly. This means less pain and better performance; for example, a looser calf and Achilles can improve your running stride and reduce injury risk.
- Customized Strengthening and Mobility Exercises: Forget one-size-fits-all rehab. I create exercise plans tailored to your sport and your body. If you’re a runner, I’ll zero in on hip stability, core strength, and maybe foot exercises to improve your push-off. If you’re a lifter with shoulder pain, I’ll work on scapular control, rotator cuff endurance, and thoracic spine mobility. Each exercise is chosen to address the specific deficits that led to your injury. I also incorporate functional movements – you’ll practice the types of lifts or motions you need, with my coaching to perfect your form. This way, you return to the gym better than before.
- Taping and Bracing as Needed: To support you during training or competition, I can apply kinesiology tape or recommend bracing when appropriate. A well-placed tape job on your knee or shoulder can provide feedback and stability, so you can continue light training without re-injury. Many athletes find tape helpful in the transition back to full activity – I’ll show you techniques you can even use on your own on game day.
Throughout your rehab, I emphasize technique. Athletes often have the drive to push hard; I channel that drive into doing things right. You’ll receive constant feedback and adjustments during exercises (no unattended “3 sets of 10 and I’ll be back” here!). This not only helps you heal but can dramatically improve your future performance.
Winning Results for Local Athletes
My approach has helped Chattanooga-area athletes of all kinds conquer injuries and even reach new personal bests. Just listen to April’s story:
“I went to see him because I had shoulder surgery and it didn’t solve the pain. A few sessions with him helped more than the surgery! …Chase is great to work with and I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to optimize themselves.” – April, avid athlete and gym-goer
April had undergone a surgical procedure hoping to fix her shoulder, but she still wasn’t able to work out pain-free afterward. Frustrating, right? After working with me, she experienced more improvement in just a few physical therapy sessions than she had post-surgery – and she got back to her workouts, feeling stronger and more confident. She even mentions “optimizing” herself, which is exactly my mission: not just getting you out of pain, but optimizing your body for peak performance.
You don’t have to settle for sitting on the sidelines or doing half-hearted training due to fear of injury. With the right physical therapy partner, you can come back stronger. Book your discovery call today and let’s talk about your athletic goals and challenges. Whether you’re rehabbing a sports injury or looking to prevent one, I’m here to support you. My one-on-one, athlete-centered approach is the edge you need to stay fit, healthy, and at the top of your game. Serving athletes from Chattanooga to Soddy-Daisy, my Hixson facility is ready to help you crush your recovery and get back to crushing your workouts!