Athletes and Schools Benefit from Sports Physicals

High school and middle school athletes from Columbia and Rensselaer counties took time this past week to have specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if they are in need of any special attention before they participate in athletics. Gina Mastrianni, physical therapist from Columbia Physical Therapy in East Greenbush and Valatie was joined by Drs. Alfandre and Flik of Northeast Orthopaedics, Dr. Catalano, chiropractor, Drs. Tolentino, Leonidas and Leyhane of Community Care and Top Form athletic trainers, Dawn and Chris Mele and Ron Annis. The money raised from the physicals is donated to the athlete's school booster program.

According to Mastrianni, "Tight hamstrings were a common finding in the high school age population as well as an overall loss of flexibility in the thigh and calf muscles." The message imparted was that frequent stretching is a good preventative measure. Mastrianni, a physical therapist for 6 years, recently earned her doctorate of physical therapy degree from Massachussetes General Hospital and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. She has been with Doreen and Bob Frank at Columbia Physical Therapy since 2000.