Summer brings a slower change of pace for everyone, even young athletes. There are fewer structured practices and a lot more vacations and downtime.
But then August arrives.
Suddenly, athletes are jumping into long practices, conditioning drills, tournaments, and preseason workouts. For many athletes, that rapid increase in activity puts significant strain on the body.
Fortunately, a little preparation during the summer can help athletes improve strength, reduce injury risk, and feel more confident heading into the season. At Performance Physical Therapy, we encourage athletes of all ages to use the summer months to build a solid foundation for a healthy fall season.
Tailored Plans After an Injury
If you are trying to avoid surgery and wonder if physical therapy can prevent or delay it, the simple answer is yes!
Most orthopedic-type surgeries are not urgent or emergencies. Although traumatic situations can be emergencies, most times, there is a significant period of time between diagnosis and surgery.
Far too often, people mistake their symptoms for signs to rest or avoid the activities causing them pain. Even more frequent is the number of people who ignore aches and pains, thinking they will go away on their own, only to discover those early warning signs were the body’s signals to get help. Unfortunately, rest, avoidance, and trying to ignore or push through pain only lead to a bigger, often more complex, problem.
At Performance Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will weed through your symptoms and identify the root cause of your particular situation. We will give you the tools to prevent, delay, or prepare yourself for surgery.
We’ll guide you through a gradual progression to make sure you are ready to return without any limitations or impairments standing in your way. This cautious approach ensures a safer and more effective recovery process.
Rather than a “one-size-fits-all approach,” we believe every patient is unique and deserves a program tailored to their specific situation and goals. You are not merely treated but are guided towards a pathway of enhanced performance and overall well-being!
Why Fall Sports Injuries Often Start in the Summer
We often think of an injury as something that happens in the blink of an eye, usually in the middle of a game or a particularly challenging training session. In reality, the foundations for an injury, such as muscle weakness or biomechanical issues, often develop well before the season officially begins.
During the summer, young athletes often become less active, leading to a loss of conditioning. Then, when the fall season starts back up, they jump headfirst into training, and their bodies can’t handle the sudden load.
Preparing the body before preseason begins can help athletes tolerate higher activity levels more safely.
Six Summer Tips for a Healthier Fall Sports Season
Prepare Now for a Healthier Fall Season
The dog days of summer are an ideal time to prepare for the demands of fall sports. Building strength, improving mobility, and developing healthy recovery habits during the summer can help athletes stay healthier once practices begin.
Whether you or your athlete is dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or preparing for the upcoming season, the Performance Physical Therapy team is here to help. Schedule an evaluation today to discover ways to stay strong, active, and ready for fall sports.
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Return to Performance Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Stay in the Game, Skip the Pain
Athletes constantly challenge their bodies to perform at their best. Whether you’re competing at a high level, training recreationally, or simply staying active, injuries can happen when the body is pushed beyond its limits or exposed to sudden forces.
Fortunately, many common sports injuries can be prevented, managed, and even resolved without surgery through the right physical therapy program. Our sports physical therapists help athletes recover safely while improving performance and reducing future injury risk.
Why Injuries Happen
Sudden changes in direction, rapid deceleration, repetitive stress, improper training techniques, insufficient warm-ups, and inadequate recovery time all contribute to sports injuries. Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward staying healthy and active.
Common Sports Injuries
Ankle Sprains
Common in sports involving running, cutting, and jumping when the ligaments around the ankle become stretched or torn.
Knee Injuries
Can involve damage to ligaments, cartilage, or other structures within the knee joint due to twisting, impact, or overuse.
Shoulder Injuries
Frequently seen in overhead sports and may include rotator cuff injuries, instability, strains, or dislocations.
Fractures
Both acute fractures and stress fractures can occur from impact forces or repetitive loading over time.
Personalized Plans
Individualized treatment programs target mobility, strength, stability, and performance to help prevent future injuries.
Education & Training
Learn proper body mechanics, movement strategies, posture, and techniques that help reduce injury risk.
Functional Restoration
Return to your sport with confidence by rebuilding strength, movement quality, and resilience while minimizing re-injury risk.
Seek the Right Guidance
Physical therapy can help athletes recover, improve performance, avoid unnecessary surgeries, and stay active for the long term. Call Performance Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our sports physical therapists and get back to doing what you love.
Staff Spotlight: Emilee
Emilee is a physical therapist who was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Health Studies in 2022 and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2024, both from Ithaca College. Emilee is committed to providing high-quality, individualized care to help patients move better and feel their best. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, reading, and relaxing with her cat, Betty.
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Acai Smoothie Bowl
Refresh your day with this antioxidant-packed acai smoothie bowl loaded with berries, banana, and creamy Greek yogurt. It’s a delicious way to support energy, recovery, and overall wellness!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 large banana, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen berries
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 frozen packet acai berry puree (100g)
- Optional toppings: granola, fresh berries, coconut flakes, chia seeds, sliced banana, or almonds
Instructions
- Place the apple juice, banana, frozen berries, yogurt, honey, and acai puree into a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Pour the smoothie mixture evenly into 2 deep bowls.
- Arrange your favorite toppings over the smoothie bowls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow Dumbbell Fixes
What Makes Performance Physical Therapy Unique?
From your first appointment, you will see that our practice is built around a more personal standard of care. Every visit takes place in a private treatment room, allowing your provider to focus fully on you without distractions. With the most 5-star Google reviews of any practice in Delaware, our reputation reflects the trust and results our patients experience every day. Locally owned and not part of a franchise, Performance PT is deeply connected to the community we serve and committed to care that feels both individualized and genuine.
Real Results. Real Recovery.
The Barley Mill location was smaller, yet well-equipped, which I especially appreciated. Very friendly and personable staff. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! A++ rating!
