Posted on July 16, 2018
Mary Free Bed launches most competitive, inclusive sports rehabilitation program in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Whether it’s an organized competitive team sport or an afternoon with friends on the court, we love sports. Unfortunately, they don’t always love us back. The experts at Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation can help.
The program is the most comprehensive and inclusive offering of its kind in Michigan. The four divisions — Sports Rehabilitation, Sport Psychology, Performance and Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports – are accessible by any athlete, whether recreational or competitive. With the staff’s expertise and access to innovative technology and solutions, Mary Free Bed is able to deliver athletes optimal care.
“We know how important physical exercise is to reduce the risk of many diseases and promote well-being,” said Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our Sports Rehabilitation team is dedicated to getting athletes safely back to their sport – regardless of what that might be.”
Athletes of all ages and abilities are welcome at the new Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation Program. For more information or a consultation, call 616.840.PLAY. For a complete listing of treatment offerings and videos about the program, visit: mfblegacy.wpengine.com/sports-rehab.
FACT SHEET:
The new Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation program is a comprehensive array of treatment modalities, clinics, classes, teams and events. Athletes build their strength and stamina, learn new techniques and return safely to play. This new lineup of outpatient sports rehabilitation offerings was established by a team of Mary Free Bed expert clinicians, each with specific specialties that meet a broad range of patient needs.
Sports Rehabilitation
For athletes, injury and pain can be par for the course, regardless of age or ability. Mary Free Bed’s physical therapists, led by Terence Reuben, PT, Director of Sports Rehabilitation, are trained in specialized orthopedic and sports rehabilitation techniques, including manual therapy and judicious use of modalities like electric stimulation, ultrasound, iontophoresis and traction, as well as sports-specific activity progression. These treatments also are utilized in pre- and post-operative care of athletes.
Sport Psychology
Dr. Eddie O’Connor, PhD, is a Mary Free Bed clinical sport psychologist and also is a registered U.S. Olympic Sport Psychologist. He guides athletes, coaches, teams and organizations as they remove barriers to performance excellence. With a combination of mental toughness workshops, communication and motivation skill exercises as well as anxiety management techniques, athletes and their support systems gain psychological tools to fuel physical success.
Sports Performance
Strength, flexibility and muscle coordination often prohibit athletes from improving their performance. These limitations may actually cause athletes to move incorrectly, increasing pain and the risk of injury. Robyn Smith, PT, is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) for conducting golf assessments. Golfers at all ability levels receive specialized physical assessments and customized exercises to target and eliminate their problems. Robyn also is skilled in video gait analysis for runners and educates other clinicians in how to improve in this field.
Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports
Considered one of the largest of its kind in the United States, the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports Program provides opportunities for athletes at all levels of play. The program’s annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp offers 50-plus kids the chance to trial a variety of adaptive and wheelchair sports at no cost. Program manager, Maria Besta, says adaptive sports gear can be expensive and opportunities for wheelchair athletes to participate are limited. Year-round classes and training sessions are available so that athletes can try a sport before investing in equipment or joining a nationally competitive team.
ABOUT MARY FREE BED
Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, nationally-accredited rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since 1891, Mary Free Bed has restored hope and freedom through rehabilitation for children and adults who have experienced amputations, brain injuries, cancer, multiple trauma, spinal cord injuries, strokes and other diagnoses. The combination of more than 110 specialized medical and sports rehabilitation programs and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation enables specialty physicians and staff to help patients achieve outstanding clinical results. For additional information, visit maryfreebed.com
