Sports Medicine is a field of medicine that relates to the prevention and treatment of injuries and other health problems that affect people who play sports (Merriam-Webster). Sports Medicine is a subspecialty that exists within a number of different disciplines of health care and human performance.
The Sports Medicine team
The Athlete: The most important member of the Sports Medicine Team, the athlete comes in many forms. At Balance, we treat and train the weekend warrior, the adult athlete who is keeping fit, the obstacle course racer looking to best the competition, the cross fitter, rugby players…. as well as local high school athletes, Division I, II, and III college athletes, and the Pros.
The Physician: Balance physical therapists work closely with local and Boston area physicians to treat patients with sports-related injuries.
The Athletic Trainer: We work closely with area High School and college athletic trainers to coordinate rehabilitation and return to sport. With direct communication, we are able to collaborate with the local ATCs to facilitate safe and fast return to the field and court.
The Physical Therapist: The Physical Therapists at Balance are uniquely qualified to treat the many athletes they see, because of their extensive training and experience and because they are athletes themselves. On staff, Balance has a former college lacrosse player, 2 college soccer players, 1 college wrestler, 1 collegiate/ Men’s rugby player, and an All American Triathlete. Our staff continues to be life-long exercisers, competing and staying fit in a variety of ways.
Sports Certified Physical Therapist: Board certified by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) as a Sports Certified Specialist Kathy Cortelyou, PT, SCS has done extensive academic work, literature research and has 20+ years of experience in the field of Sports Medicine. Much of her professional time was spent working in Boston, where she rehabilitated a variety of athletes from local colleges. She has a special interest in working with runners and volunteers at the Boston Marathon Medical tent each year, taking care of injured athletes. She also specializes in concussion management, a very important and evolving field of sports medicine.
Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Chris Pierce, MSPT, CSCS (co-founder of balance) is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). A relatively new member of the sports medicine team, the CSCS specializes in methods of strength training, cardiovascular training, power development, speed and agility training. The CSCS is key player in the prevention of injury as a strong and stable, well-tuned body is resistant to injury. Working with the PT, the CSCS can enhance and extend the rehabilitation process and is often an important professional in return to sport. At Balance, our Physical Therapists and Strength and Conditioning Specialist will work with the Athlete whose health insurance has been exhausted after injury or surgery, who is getting prepared for the upcoming season, or who just wants to get fit. Many college athletic departments employ strength and conditioning specialists. We aim to communicate and collaborate with these specialists to optimize the Athlete’s outcome.
Nutritionist: Another key member of the team, the informed athlete will consult with an expert nutritionist to get a significant edge in their performance as well as to enhance the healing process. While Balance does not employ a nutritionist we have worked closely with Noreen Gallo.
Noreen Gallo is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian who received her undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Her post-grad work was done at the University of California at Davis. She has been a Dietitian for over 30 years and had a private practice, Your Forever Nutrition Counseling, for the last 10 years working with a vast diversity of clientele seeking her expertise. She does not take a one size fits all approach to health and wellness, rather, she treats each client as an individual and helps to carve out a plan based on their specific needs. She focuses on wellness, sports nutrition, weight loss/gain and medical nutrition therapy including heart disease, diabetes, digestive issues, and family nutrition.
Noreen does not put much stock in quick fix plans or fad diets. She wants to help her clients find a plan that fits their lifestyle and will help them to make permanent changes to stay fit and healthy FOREVER.
Learn more about Noreen here:
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