Smith Physical Therapy+

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/

03/05/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and it deserves the same level of care and attention as any other injury. Education, early treatment, and proper recovery can make all the difference in preventing long-term symptoms.

This month, we encourage parents, athletes, and coaches to learn the signs of concussion and take symptoms seriously. Check out our Coaching Concussion e-book:https://smithptplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Coaching-Concussion.pdf

03/04/2026

We are proud to partner with Keeping Families Covered to support local families in need. You’ll now find a donation box right inside our clinic.

03/02/2026

Hello, March! 🌷

Longer days, (hopefully) warmer miles, and fresh goals ahead.

https://smithptplus.com/events-calendar/

02/27/2026

Hypermobility in Dancers: Asset or Injury Risk? 💃🩰
Flexibility is often celebrated in dance, but when flexibility goes beyond control, it can increase the risk of pain and injury.

Our free ebook breaks down:
✔️ What hypermobility really is
✔️ How to build strength and stability without losing range

https://smithptplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fin-How-to-Prevent-Injury-with-Hyper-Mobility-ebook.pdf

02/26/2026

Thinking about your first swim-run race? 🏊🏃

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113712/crystal-lake-aquathon-2026

New to racing? This one’s for you. 💙

The Crystal Lake Aquathon is one of the most beginner-friendly races around—and athletes come back year after year for a reason.

✔ Choose your distance, you can pick what fits your comfort level.

✔ Calm, controlled swim, the swim takes place in a modified quarry with lifeguards and support in the water—no chaotic mass start, no guesswork.

✔ Supportive vibes, not pressure! This race is welcoming, well-organized, and judgment-free. First race? You’ll feel right at home.

✔ Walk, jog, or run with variety! The run course mixes trail, sand, and pavement—move at your pace.

✔ Best part, you’re racing for more than a medal, all proceeds support Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois, and every finisher earns a handmade medal.

📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
📍 Three Oaks Recreation Center | Crystal Lake, IL

✨ Thinking about your first swim-run race? This is the place to start.
👉 Register now and try something new this summer: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113712/crystal-lake-aquathon-2026

02/25/2026

This moment is proof that commitment pays off. Cheering you on today and always!

02/23/2026

Top Injuries We See in Gymnasts 🤸‍♀️

Gymnastics requires a unique mix of strength, flexibility, and repetitive impact. When something isn’t working quite right, pain often shows up first, and pain is not normal.

Here are the most common injury areas we see in gymnasts:

Ankles
Repetitive landings—especially short or imperfect ones—can stress the ankle if strength or mobility is lacking. This may show up as sprains, heel pain (like Sever’s), or ongoing ankle soreness.

Back
Back pain often starts gradually and can worsen over time if ignored. In many cases, the lower back is doing extra work due to limited mobility or control in the shoulders, upper back, or hips. Left unaddressed, this can lead to more serious injuries like stress fractures.

Knees
Knee pain is often a sign of poor landing mechanics or strength imbalances elsewhere in the body. When gymnasts change how they move to “work around” pain, it can increase injury risk.

The big takeaway: Pain is a warning sign. Pushing through it often leads to longer recovery time and time away from the gym. Rest and ice may help temporarily, but if the root cause isn’t addressed, the pain usually returns.

https://smithptplus.com/visit-appointment/

02/21/2026

5-Star Saturday!