Smith Physical Therapy+

03/16/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Returning to sport after a concussion isn’t just about feeling “better.” It’s about making sure the brain is truly ready. That’s why a guided return-to-play program is so important.

A concussion-trained physical therapist can help athletes:
✔️ Evaluate balance, reaction time, and coordination
✔️ Address dizziness, headaches, and vision issues
✔️ Monitor symptoms during activity
✔️ Progress through a step-by-step return-to-sport program safely

https://smithptplus.com/balance-concussion/

03/15/2026

Your hamstrings play a huge role in running. They help pull your foot off the ground so you’re not stuck behind each step.

Favorite Strength Move:
Bridge + hamstring curl on a ball
✔️ Isolates the hamstrings
✔️ Mimics the pulling action used in running

Favorite Running Drill:
Skipping
✔️ Trains quick foot lift
✔️ Prevents over-striding and “stuck” feet

Strong hammys = smoother, more efficient running.
If your stride feels heavy or sluggish, this is a great place to start.

Ready to run stronger, faster, and with less pain? Join our Running Academy and get expert technique coaching, video analysis, and personalized training to help you reach your goals. Learn more and get started: https://smithptplus.com/running-academy/

03/14/2026

Happy 9 years to the one and only Dana Tress!

Dana brings incredible talent, dedication, and a spark of positivity that makes our clinic better every single day. Our patients and team are lucky to have her sharing her expertise and energy year after year.

03/13/2026

Middle school runners… summer miles start here! ☀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Registration is now open for the Zephyrs Summer Running Program, a 9-week training experience designed to help young athletes get ready for the fall cross country season while building confidence and a lifelong love of running.

Led by Coach Megan of Sloan Coaching, athletes will train in a supportive team environment while learning:
• Proper running technique
• Strength & speed development
• Injury prevention
• Teamwork and race confidence

📅 June 8 – August 7
🗓 Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
⏰ 7:30–9:00 AM
📍 Rotating locations: Lundahl Middle School, Veteran’s Acres & Lippold Park

Whether your runner is new to cross country or looking to level up before the season starts, this program sets the foundation for a strong fall.

https://smithptplus.com/events/zephyrs-middle-school-running-club-2026/

03/12/2026

Wishing a very happy birthday to Sara!

Favorite quote:
“The ending isn’t any more important than the moments leading up to it.” - Dr. Eva Rosalene

03/12/2026

Smith Physical Therapy+ is excited to participate in the Woodstock High School College & Career Fair! This event provides high school juniors with valuable opportunities to explore life after graduation, learn about different career paths, and begin planning their next steps.

We are grateful for the chance to connect with students and support an event designed to help them make informed decisions about their future and discover the many possibilities available beyond high school.
https://smithptplus.com/

03/11/2026

Genuine feelings.

03/11/2026

Name this yoga pose:

(Meet Rookie! The best staff therapy dog a business could ask for! Rookie considers the clinic his second home. Whether he is greeting patients in the lobby upon their arrival, keeping clinic staff company in the back office or seeking out patients who may need a little extra attention, Rookie is sure to put a smile on your face with his kind, compassionate demeanor.)

03/10/2026

Get Stronger for Life with Age Strong!

Everyday tasks like unloading groceries, getting up from a chair, or playing with the grandkids can start feeling harder over time. Age Strong is a small-group class designed to help you rebuild the strength, endurance, and mobility you need for real-life activities.

Each session focuses on safe, functional exercises with proper form and joint protection. You’ll not only get stronger, you’ll move better!

Wednesdays, 1-2 PM | 6-week session
Dates: 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6

Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot today and start feeling stronger in your daily life!
https://smithptplus.com/events/age-strong-2026-session-2-2026-04-01/

03/07/2026

Ankle injuries are incredibly common in dance, especially this time of year when rehearsals and competitions ramp up.

In this video, we talk through:
• The top 3 ankle injuries we see in dancers
• Why sprains keep coming back
• The difference between FHL tendinitis and ankle impingement
• And why the problem might not actually start at the ankle

Foot and ankle injuries are some of the most common problems we see in dancers — especially during competition season.In this conversation, we break down:✔️ ...

03/06/2026

Playing a rec league doesn’t mean skipping strength work!

“You Don’t Use It, You Lose It.” Overhead movements, quick changes of direction, and jumps can strain muscles if your body isn’t ready.

Tip: 1–2 days of strength training a week focusing on shoulders, core, and legs can prevent injuries and improve performance.

03/06/2026

Struggling with knee pain or plantar fasciitis while running? It’s tempting to think the “right shoe” will fix it, but most of the time, it won’t.

Denise dives into how running shoes actually affect injuries and why technique and strength matter more than cushioning. From overstriding to foot mechanics, she breaks down what really drives pain, and how you can prevent it.

Learn the Rule of 3C’s for choosing the right shoe, what causes plantar fasciitis, and why your shoes alone won’t solve it.

Whether you’re a casual jogger or a marathon runner, understanding your body is the key to running stronger, safer, and pain-free.

https://smithptplus.com/plantar-fasciitis-and-running-shoes/