McKenzie Sports Therapy

Icing Sports Injuries May Be Slowing Your Healing

icing injury may cause more harm than good

When injuries strike, the first line treatment that comes to mind for most people is the RICE acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Initially coined in 1978 by Dr. Gabe Mirken, the belief that ice helps reduce inflammation paved the way for how most people (including physical therapists) treat injuries. But Dr. Mirken has … Read more

Why a Physical Therapist is the Best Person to Perform Your Athlete’s Sports Physical

As parents, we want our kids to thrive, both on and off the field. Sports are an incredible way for budding athletes to build confidence, learn teamwork, and stay active. But with the thrill of the game comes the reality of potential injuries. That’s why the annual sports physical is so crucial – and why … Read more

Blood Flow Restriction Training: Building Strength with Lighter Loads

blood flow restriction training post surgery in philadelphia PA

As a physical therapy group, our world revolves around helping people improve their function and regain strength after an injury or surgery. We also help athletes become more efficient and powerful in their chosen sport. One tool in our ever-expanding tool belt is blood flow restriction training, also known as BFR training. We sat down … Read more

Understanding and Treating IT Band Syndrome

IT Band Treatment in Philadelphia PA

For the avid runner, there is nothing like feeling your feet pounding the ground with each step or the high you get when a good run is done. It’s called ‘runner’s high’ for a reason, but that high can come crashing down when injury strikes.  One injury, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome (ITBS), is the bane … Read more

Young Athletes are Specializing too Early, and It is Damaging Their Bodies

young athletes specializing in sports too early is risky

The Olympics are in full swing, alighting many young athletes’ dreams of being on the podium like their heroes. While the path to Olympic success is challenging and reserved for a very small percentage of hard-working athletes, aspiring athletes and their parents should be aware of several risks. Three of the most common pitfalls young … Read more

Running Does Not Cause Bad Knees, But Poor Hip Strength Can

Approximately 50 million people run or jog every year, 1.1 million of whom complete a marathon, according to Statista. Runners are passionate about their sport and enjoy the freedom of hitting the trail or pounding the pavement any time of day they please. And runners won the lottery when COVID hit, and the gyms and … Read more

How to Not Let a Hamstring Injury Ruin Your Athletic Dreams

hamstring injury physical therapy in philadelphia PA

Hamstring injuries are a common concern for athletes and are the number one thing that can take an athlete out of commission. This is precisely what took Chris McKenzie, DPT, physical therapist and owner of McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy, out of running and dashed his dreams of going to the Olympics.  “One of the main … Read more

Understanding and Alleviating Winter Knee Pain

winter sports knee pain

The cold winter weather brings seasonal challenges, especially for those engaged in sports or activities that put significant stress on the knees.  Winter knee pain stems from various sources. Cold weather conditions can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like arthritis, prior injuries, or strains. The drop in temperature can cause muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee joint … Read more

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior) Protocol for Athletes

You’re probably reading this post because you’ve had a SLAP tear, or know someone who’s had a SLAP tear. What is a SLAP tear anyway?  A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior) lesion is a tear in the superior portion of the labrum of the shoulder. Picture your shoulder joint; it’s a ball and socket joint, specifically … Read more

The Mechanics of Throwing a Baseball: Implications for Long Tossing

Short flat ground throws   VS.    Long toss throws Which throw causes more stress at your shoulder and elbow?  What should you be using in the later phases of your rehab?  Have you returned to baseball and still have pain?  Read this quick, one page document from the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT) … Read more