DEFINING A “ROTATIONAL ATHLETE”

First off, I would like to start by saying that here at PAR Physical Therapy we look forward to rehabilitating ALL patients, not just the “rotational athlete.”  Whether your goals are to return to work, play with your grandchildren, walk on the beach, work in your yard or simply to function better and with less pain, we will strive to meet these goals at PAR PT through traditional physical therapy assessments and interventions.

I do however want to take the time to  break down the phrase “rotational athlete” as there tends to be a misconception as to exactly who fits in to this category.  Just because we are not in high school, college, MLB or on the PGA tour does not exclude us from being considered a rotational athlete.

The definition of “athlete” is any person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports or games requiring physical strength, agility or stamina.  The definition of “rotation” is the act or process of moving or turning around a central point.  After taking a closer look at the true meaning of these two words, you may now find that your everyday hobbies or sports in which you participate in, put you into this category.

Almost every activity you can think of involves the act of moving or turning around (swinging a club, throwing a ball, using a racket) a central point (your body).  Athlete, probably the more intimidating word, does not state that you have to be a finely tuned, elite level professional.  It simply states that you have the ability to participate in an exercise or sport.  This covers elementary soccer players all the way through the older golfer including everything in between such as baseball, softball, tennis, pickleball, football, ping-pong, volleyball, gymnastics, bowling, etc.

So after a further explanation of just what a rotational athlete constitutes, do you find yourself falling under this umbrella?  If you do, PAR PT is certainly the place for you.  We will provide the services necessary to regain functional movements after an injury or surgery.  However, it will not stop there.  After the basic fundamental movements are achieved, we will assist you with performance (well coordinated activities and training) tailored to your specific sport or hobby.  This will optimize your rehab for when you are ready to progress to higher sport or activity specific skill acquisition.  This philosophy correlates directly with our mission statement:  To provide our clients with a superior quality of care that ensures effective and efficient movement patterns to reach maximum level of performance.