Author: Dr. Charles Baldi PT, DPT

Many athletes with hypermobile knees can extend their knees farther than normal. You may notice these athletes standing around on one leg with their knee completely locked out—or even pushed backward into hyperextension. This position might feel stable because the athlete is resting on the structures behind the knee instead of actively using their muscles. READ MORE

As a sports physical therapist, one of the biggest problems I see in rehab is athletes being underdosed. Underdosing means an athlete is given exercises that are not difficult enough, heavy enough, fast enough, or specific enough to prepare them for their sport. The athlete may complete months of physical therapy, perform every exercise correctly, READ MORE

Resting an Injury Is a Great Way to Never Return to Sport If you’ve ever been injured while playing sports, you’ve probably heard this advice: “Just rest it for two weeks.” It usually comes from a health provider with good intentions or it can also come from a coach, a parent or even a friend READ MORE

Why Three Sets of Ten Might Be Holding You Back If you’ve ever worked out in a gym, followed a rehab program, or completed physical therapy exercises, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Do 3 sets of 10.” It’s one of the most common exercise prescriptions in fitness and rehabilitation. The problem? The prescription of 3 READ MORE

As a sports PT, I commonly see shoulder pain related to shoulder instability in athletes and active individuals. Many people describe their shoulder as feeling “loose,” “unstable,” “pinching,” or like it may “slip” during lifting, throwing, or overhead movements. Because people relate shoulder instability to the labrum and shoulder capsule, they assume their shoulder instability READ MORE

As a sports PT, I commonly see ankle, foot, and arch pain associated with flat feet. Because flat feet are largely genetic, many people assume there’s little they can do about them. In reality, athletes can build strength and control through targeted exercises that help compensate for flat feet. The issue usually comes down to READ MORE

As a sports PT, one of my least favorite phrases is “overuse injury.” It’s everywhere—in clinics, online, and in conversations with athletes—and while it sounds logical, it often leads people down the wrong path. The term suggests that the problem is simply doing too much, and the solution is to do less. Rest more. Stop READ MORE

As a sports PT, I love when I can identify injuries as muscle strains! They’re among the most straightforward to treat, even when they feel scary or overwhelming. Whether it’s from training, sports, or even everyday movement, a strain can quickly limit your ability to perform at your best. The good news? By following a READ MORE

Returning to sport after an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is one of the biggest milestones in an athlete’s recovery journey. Whether treated with surgery or conservative rehab, getting back to play requires more than just time—it demands strength, control, confidence, and a well-planned progression. While many athletes are eager to return as quickly as READ MORE

Heel pain in athletes during rapid growth spurts is often as a result of a condition called Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. While it sounds scary, it’s actually a common and usually temporary issue that affects the growth plate in the heel of active children and teens. Typically, it shows up during periods READ MORE