How Long Until I’m Healed, Doc?

When I first envisioned opening Precision, I knew I wanted to create something different from the typical healthcare experience.

I was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the direction healthcare was heading. I repeatedly heard from my clients about their frustrations – how they felt unheard by their practitioners and lost in the system. This was not the healthcare experience I wanted to offer. I was determined to create a space where patients could expect more than just the standard care, where they could feel valued and understood.

As a physical therapist, I was also deeply troubled by the struggles my colleagues faced. Overworked, underpaid, and often unappreciated, many physical therapists were dealing with challenges that went beyond their clinical work. In an environment where perfectionism and competition ruled, collaboration was often sidelined. I found myself wondering: what would happen if we supported and uplifted one another instead of tearing each other down? How could we provide exceptional care to our clients if we weren’t looking out for each other and working to elevate our profession as a whole? This became the driving force behind my desire to change the way things were.

Creating meaningful change is never easy. At first, it’s always met with resistance. Some days, it feels as though I’m running at full speed, but by the end of the day, it seems like I’ve only made small steps forward. I have to remind myself that these small steps are progress, even if they aren’t immediately recognized by others. And that’s okay.

Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of setbacks. There have been moments of failure that have been incredibly tough. I’ve made mistakes along the way, but each one has taught me valuable lessons. It’s easy to throw in the towel and give up, to tell yourself that your vision was just a dream that wasn’t meant to be. The barriers and obstacles can feel overwhelming at times. But the true challenge lies in continuing to push forward, even when the going gets tough. I’m confident that over the next few months, Precision will continue to evolve and improve.

I want to share my vision for Precision so you can understand why it exists. It’s important to me that you know what we stand for. I can talk about it to myself all day, but if I don’t share it with you, what does it matter? We truly value and appreciate each of our clients, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue growing and pushing boundaries. Thank you for your support. I also want to express my gratitude to the team members I’ve worked with, past and present, for their dedication to this dream.

If you’re not already part of our Precision family, we would love for you to join us.

At Precision, we believe patients should have the freedom to choose their healthcare experience. We’re not bound by insurance companies; instead, we focus on what our clients truly need and deserve. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are committed to innovating and finding new ways to meet the needs of our community. We recognize that every client’s story matters just as much as the physical injury they’re facing. Education—whether for our clients, the community, or ourselves—is key to improving the care we provide and fostering progress within our profession.

We are also committed to building a supportive community and creating lasting relationships. Collaboration and personal growth are essential, both within our team and with our clients and fellow healthcare practitioners. Taking care of ourselves and practicing compassion, not just for our clients but also for one another, is crucial to ensuring we can show up every day as our best selves.

This is the foundation of the excellence we strive for at Precision. It is why we exist, and it’s at the core of everything we do. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

As the cross-country season is underway, it’s important to address some of the misconceptions surrounding teen runners. These myths can often lead to confusion and, sometimes, injury. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common beliefs about teen runners and set the record straight.

“Weight Training Will Make Me Bulky or Slow!”

This is a myth that couldn’t be further from the truth! Weight training is actually an excellent complement to running. It enhances running performance by improving strength, endurance, and injury prevention. When you build strength through resistance training, you help prepare your body to handle the stresses of running for longer distances and at faster speeds, all while reducing your risk of injury. Instead of making you bulky, it can help you become leaner, faster, and more resilient.

“Weight Training Will Mess with My Growth Plates and Stunt My Growth!”

This is an outdated belief with no scientific backing. In fact, research shows that weight training, when done safely and under supervision, does not stunt growth. A study in 2006 found that resistance training posed no risk to growth plates or increased injury risk in young athletes. On the contrary, it actually strengthens bones and improves overall muscle function. Proper resistance training can be a fantastic supplement to running, especially with the guidance of a knowledgeable coach.

“I Can Eat Whatever I Want Because I’m Young!”

While it’s true that younger athletes typically have higher metabolisms and may be able to handle more calories without gaining weight, it’s not a free pass to eat anything and everything. Proper nutrition is still essential for teen athletes. A balanced diet with adequate protein is crucial for fueling workouts, promoting recovery, and preventing injury. If protein intake is too low or if overall nutrition isn’t balanced, the risk of injury increases. Consulting with a nutritionist can help tailor a diet plan that supports your running goals.

“I Don’t Need as Much Sleep or Recovery Because I’m Young!”

This myth can be harmful to both short-term and long-term health. In reality, younger athletes typically need more sleep than adults, as their bodies require additional rest to fuel growth and recovery. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor performance, slow recovery, and increased risk of injuries like stress fractures. Teenagers should aim for adequate sleep each night to ensure proper muscle repair, energy restoration, and overall health.

“I Don’t Have Any Limitations for Mileage or Intensity Per Week!”

Teens might have more flexibility when it comes to training intensity and mileage, but this doesn’t mean they’re immune to the effects of overtraining. Factors like growth spurts, physical maturation, and stress from academics can all influence how much training load a teen can handle. To avoid burnout or injury, it’s important to gradually increase mileage (no more than 10-15% per week) and pay attention to signs of fatigue or recovery needs. Developing body awareness is key for assessing how much load can be safely tolerated.

Conclusion

It’s important for young runners, coaches, and parents to be informed about these myths and the truth behind them. By understanding the role of strength training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery, teen athletes can run more effectively and safely. Here’s to a strong finish to the season for all of our middle and high school runners!