Author: Dr. Charles Baldi PT, DPT

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

Gymnastics competition season is an exciting time—full of meets, goal-setting, and opportunities to showcase hard-earned skills. But it’s also a period when training intensity, repetition, and stress on the body increase significantly. For young gymnasts who are still growing, staying healthy during competition season is just as important as perfecting routines. With the right balance READ MORE

Anterior knee pain is known by many names including Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), chondromalacia Patella, or a “bum knee.” It is a common issue that is often felt as a dull ache or discomfort around the front or side of the kneecap. For gymnasts it often limits tumbling and vaulting and can also worsen with READ MORE