Wells PT's Role in the Paris Olympics

Dr. Sean Wells, owner of Wells Physical Therapy, a concierge PT practice in Naples, St Augustine, and Ponte Vedra, made an impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics. From his home in Saint Augustine, Dr. Wells was able to perform a physical therapy evaluation with an amazing gold medalist athlete while she was still on the training mat in Paris!

Amit Elor made history at the 2024 Olympics by becoming the youngest wrestling Olympic champion ever. Just two days after her incredible victory, Amit connected with Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, CertDN, an Immergo platform early access physical therapist and advisor, for a telehealth appointment. But this was no ordinary telehealth call—using full-body avatars and immersive virtual reality headsets, they met from opposite sides of the world through the Immergo Beyond platform. Check out the video here to see what it was like and hear Amit's thoughts.

A special thank you to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for supporting the R&D that made this platform possible. We’re in awe of Amit’s dedication and strength, both on and off the mat. Her journey is a true testament to what’s possible when you combine passion, resilience, and a supportive community. Congratulations, Amit, on this incredible achievement—you’re an inspiration to us all!

If you are interested in scheduling a PT examination in person or VR, call us at 904-568-1156.

From Slice to Relief: How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Golf and Tennis Game

From Slice to Relief: How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Golf and Tennis Game

For many, golf and tennis are more than just sports; they're a passion, a social outlet, and a way to stay active. But what happens when a swing gone wrong or a backhand that backfires leaves you sidelined with pain? Here's where physical therapy steps in to help you get back on the court or course, feeling stronger and more confident than ever.

The Common Culprits of Golf and Tennis Injuries

Both golf and tennis involve repetitive motions that can stress your body, leading to injuries. Here are some of the most common:

• Rotator Cuff Issues: The repetitive swings in both sports can strain the rotator cuff muscles and tendons in your shoulder.

• Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow: These overuse injuries affect the tendons in your elbow, causing pain and inflammation.

• Low Back Pain: The twisting and bending involved in these sports can put stress on your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.

• Knee Pain: Sudden stops and changes in direction can strain your knee ligaments and tendons.

• Wrist Pain: Improper technique or overuse can cause pain in your wrist.

Physical Therapy: Your Rehabilitation Partner

Physical therapists are movement experts who understand the unique demands of golf and tennis. They can create a personalized rehabilitation program to address your specific injury and help you achieve a full recovery. Here's what you can expect:

• Pain Management: Physical therapists use various techniques like manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities (ice, heat, ultrasound) to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Improved Flexibility and Strength: Specific exercises will target the muscles and joints involved in your swing or serve, improving flexibility and strength to prevent future injuries.

• Movement Analysis: Therapists will analyze your swing or serve mechanics to identify any imbalances or faulty technique that might be contributing to your injury. They will then work on correcting these issues to improve your overall form and prevent future problems.

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: If you've had surgery for a sports injury, a physical therapist can help you regain strength, flexibility, and coordination to get back to your sport safely.

Beyond Rehabilitation: Enhancing Your Game

Physical therapy isn't just about recovering from injury. It can also help you improve your game in the long run. By addressing any underlying weaknesses or imbalances, physical therapy can lead to:

• Increased Power and Accuracy: Improved strength and stability can lead to longer drives in golf and more powerful serves in tennis.

• Enhanced Stamina and Endurance: A physical therapist can help you develop a conditioning program to improve your stamina and endurance, so you can play longer and stronger.

• Reduced Risk of Future Injuries: By correcting any faulty mechanics and strengthening your body, you can significantly reduce your risk of future injuries.

Getting Started with Physical Therapy

If you're experiencing pain from golf or tennis, don't let it sideline you. Call us for a PT consult in Naples, Bonita Springs, Palm Coast, St Augustine, or Ponte Vedra — our team is ready to assess your injury, create a personalized treatment plan, and help you get back to enjoying your favorite sport pain-free. Remember, a proactive approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation can keep you swinging and serving for years to come. Call us today 904-568-1156

Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Physical Therapy

Plant-Based Diet: Weight Loss and Arthritis Hope?

By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

A recent study published in Obesity Science and Practice shows promise for those wanting to lose weight, improve their metabolic status, and possibly reduce arthritis symptoms: all with dietary changes. The researchers examined 244 overweight individuals for 16 weeks. The participants were randomly assigned to either a low fat plant-based diet or a control group that made no dietary changes. Both groups looked identical at the beginning of the study with similar body composition measures, insulin metrics, and self-reported advanced-glycation end-products consumption (AGEs). 

After the 16 week intervention, the subjects in the plant-based group noted a significant reduction in body mass of 14 lbs compared to the 1 lb weight loss in the control group. Researchers noted that the plant-based group saw a significant reduction in fat mass, notably visceral fat. Another major finding from the study was that AGEs were reduced by 79% in the plant-based group, while they only went down 15% in the control group.

This study is significant to patients in that several physical therapy clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) ask physical therapists (PTs) to discuss weight loss to improve several common conditions. One such condition would be hip arthritis (OA), which patients commonly present with hip pain and obesity. Obesity increases systemic inflammation due to metabolic factors and inflammatory compounds released by fat cells. Moreover, obesity does increase and alters the loading of the hips and other joints, which may also contribute further to arthritis. Reducing body fat, as seen in this specific study using a plant-based diet, would significantly help patients with hip OA. Despite all of these benefits and guidelines, many traditional insurance-based physical therapist never breach the subject of weight loss or nutrition. Our practice is different and our Wells Physical Therapy team can help you lose weight.

Another finding from this study was that patients in the plant based group reduced their consumption of certain aging and arthritis-promoting compounds called AGEs. When people eat foods high in AGEs they can see their arthritis flare, noting significant increases in joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. AGEs are linked with interrupting joint collagen synthesis, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. These compounds are formed during cooking, typically with meat over high heat and with sugar (think barbeque ribs as the worse). Reducing foods, particularly meat, that contribute to AGE intake will further help reduce inflammation and pain for patients with arthritis. A plant-based diet, which predominantly focuses on reducing animal products and processed foods, would be an ideal diet to reduce AGEs in our PT patients. Our PTs can help guide you to foods that will help you reduce pain, inflammation, and overall health.

Interestingly the findings from this study seem amazing but are not surprising to me and the PTs that work with me. For years we have seen the positive benefits of a plant-based diet for our patients with arthritic, cardiac, and diabetic conditions. We have seen patients lose weight, get stronger with our exercises, and reduce their joint pain and inflammation.

Call us today and schedule an evaluation with one of our skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy: 904-568-1156

Disclaimer: The above article is written as an opinion piece and does not convey specific legal, medical, and/or practice act advice.