College Lacrosse Player Overcomes Hamstring Injury with Physical Therapy

Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. Because we know recovery is more than just going to appointments, we want to honor people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible. That you can move on from a setback energized to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address future pain in a healthy way, to #getbetterbebetter. Read Blake’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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This August, Blake is Iron Physical Therapy’s Patient of the Month from our Midland Park, NJ clinic! Blake is a college lacrosse player whose injury has kept him out of the game he loves. He certainly embodies the saying — when life knocks you down, you keep getting up! When his recurrent hamstring issues knocked him down season after season, he only worked harder. He’s proved that with hard work and dedication, you can get right back out there!

What brought you into physical therapy?

I’ve had recurring hamstring problems for over two years and have been doing physical therapy since the first time I pulled my hamstring. After ongoing problems, I decided to change therapists and began working with Dr. Wortman at Iron PT.

What position do you play in lacrosse? What is your favorite part of the game?

I play attack (offense), and my favorite part of the game is using my explosiveness to run by people and score goals. This became difficult with my hamstring issues which is why it was so important for me to get past these injuries.

How would you describe physical therapy to your teammates who don't know what it is?
I would describe PT as active recovery for an injury. I would also say that you get out of it what you put into it.

What PT exercise or technique helped you feel your best?

I have found that the best way to rehab a hamstring pull/tear is using pain threshold rehabilitation with an emphasis on eccentric strengthening.

Any advice for others who are recovering from an injury like yours?

The best advice I could give to someone is to always remember why you started PT/training recovery in the first place. I have had countless setbacks and re-injuries throughout the last couple years and thought about just quitting.

Whenever I found myself asking, "Why keep doing this to yourself?", I made myself think of why I started in the first place. Unfortunately, recovery is often a marathon and not a sprint, and I’m proud that I stuck with PT. There will be good days and bad days along the way. Ultimately, it is important to have faith in yourself and those around you.