Champion Sports Medicine

07/17/2025

Imagine arriving to your first physical therapy appointment in a wheelchair and then walking your daughter down the aisle just 10 months later.

That was Larry Heemskerk’s goal when he came to physical therapy back in September. Larry had a history of dizzy spells as well as some impairments in his gait and balance. Working with Physical Therapists Tori Searcy and Alissa Milos, Larry slowly gained his strength back with exercises like standing, marching with weights and resisted cable column walking.

Throughout their time together, Tori and Larry agreed on just about everything except two things: how many laps of walking they were going to do each day and which team was going to win the Big Game. Despite their disagreements, Larry was ultimately the winner, as he completed his rehabilitation and successfully walked his daughter down the aisle. He even took part in the father-daughter dance with his daughter, Danielle.

Larry returned after the wedding to express his gratitude to Tori and Alissa. “You both did such a good job,” said Larry. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

07/14/2025

Who could use a vacation?

Our extensive network of physical therapy centers ensures you receive quality care no matter where your summer travels take you. In many cases, you don't need a prescription. Rest assured, you'll receive the same exceptional care from any of our brands. Just check out our "find a location" page to locate a center near you - or wherever you are headed!

07/12/2025

For when you want to actually enjoy your vacation, and not spend it in pain, read our latest blog. Learn about proper packing to avoid injuries, movements for long flights and road trip posture to get the most out of your time off.

As the summer adventures begin, we have some great tips to prepare you for your time away while keeping your body in prime shape for movement on the journey.

07/04/2025

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July.

06/19/2025

Today, we acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery.

06/18/2025

Nearly 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives.

One of the most common reasons people miss work low back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

Research shows physical therapy is often just as effective as surgery for many types of back pain — and with far less risk.

In our complimentary, on-demand webinar, “Understanding and Managing Back Pain,” our expert physical therapists walk you through the causes of back pain, what to watch for, and how physical therapy can help you move and feel better — without medication or invasive procedures.

Watch anytime, anywhere. Start your journey to relief today.

Low back pain is one of the most common and costly health issues, affecting millions each year. But it doesn’t have to control your life. Join our expert phy...

06/11/2025

From “maybe I’ll give it a try,” to “that’s how it’s done in this kitchen!”

What is the pickleball craze really all about? Read our latest blog to learn one man’s unlikely journey from skeptic to pickler, the basic rules so you can stay “gas” (which means cool, for us old folks), and the stretches you don’t want to skip before hitting the court.

Admittedly, pickleball isn’t climbing Mount Everest. But it’s fun. And challenging. And can give you a good workout.

06/08/2025

Occupational therapists and doctors call it radial nerve palsy. You might know it as numbness, pain, weakness and inability to use your wrist or hand. Either way, our certified hand therapists are experts at helping patients regain independence and function through custom orthoses and specially designed treatment plans.

Experience the power of hand therapy. 

06/06/2025

Rehab Associates and Champions Sports Medicine athletic trainers recently attended the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Associations' annual sports medicine conference. They worked on improving their clinical skills, learning the latest techniques and discussing evidence-based practices to ensure they can provide our athletes exceptional care.

06/06/2025

Fishing with his son, that was the number one goal for John Malcolm, who lives with a motor neuron disorder.

With support from Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist Jessica Perchaluk, Occupational Therapy Student Morganne Wandall and local industrial design students, John received custom devices that helped make his goal a reality.

John's powerful story of recovery, determination is just one example of how hand therapy can change lives.

06/03/2025

Tiffany McDonald's shirt says it all. Invest in yourself — something so many people have trouble with. But Tiffany, a mom and a nurse, was forced to when, after surgery to address brachial plexus issues (the group of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand), Tiffany lost the entire use of her left arm. This hardworking lady found herself unable to perform tasks, a result that was emotionally devastating and a direct strike to her independence.

"I was unable to work, drive myself," she shared. "I couldn't cook, homeschool my child, safely care for him or drive."

Tiffany searched the internet, looking at reviews to see who had the most positive interactions to choose her occupational therapy provider. She chose us for convenience and our strong reputation.

With the support of a dedicated team — Certified Hand Therapist Allyson Roller and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants Jayne Hallock and Amanda Davidson — a program was designed and executed to meet Tiffany’s needs as a health care provider and mom-in-charge. Some of the exercises were specific to the tasks she needs to do in those two vital roles. Everyone worked like a well-oiled machine to reach her goals.

"Every week I started to see improvements. A huge memorable moment occurred when we were working on job-related tasks," she exclaimed. "I was able to push and pull a heavy sled and lift a box to shoulder height!"

The three therapists provide encouragement and cheerleading along with the daily exercises. Tiffany has made significant progress, physical and mentally, and has reached 90% of her goals. With continued strength gains and a positive attitude toward full health, that final 10% is within reach!

06/02/2025

Hands down, we have the best team of certified hand therapists (CHT) in the industry!

Hand therapists help patients reduce pain, increase independence and restore function to their hands, wrists or arms, from post-surgery rehabilitation to everyday injuries and conditions.

As the largest employer of outpatient, rehabilitation, certified hand therapists (CHTs), our hand therapists undergo extensive training in upper-extremity rehabilitation, including 4,000 clinical hours, and pass board certification testing.

Join us this Hand Therapy Week to celebrate their important work.