Physical therapist Cortney Myer works with an athlete in the new Akron Children’s Sports Health location at The University of Akron.
As the official sports health services provider for University of Akron Athletics, Akron Children’s has completed a new sports health facility on The University of Akron (UA) campus.
Akron Children’s Sports Health at The University of Akron is located inside the Stile Athletics Field House at 254 Spicer St. This comprehensive sports health facility will serve as a regional destination center not only for UA student-athletes and the entire student population, but for anyone ages 12 and up with a sports-related injury.
“The same Sports Health team caring for Division I Akron Zips athletes provides orthopedics, sports medicine and sports rehabilitation care to help all athletes get back in the game,” said Malinda Bragg-Coldsnow, a physical therapist and clinical manager of Akron Children’s Sports Rehabilitation.
State-of-the-art equipment in the sports health facility includes the area’s only microgravity treadmill.
Clinic space for Akron Children’s orthopedic and sports medicine physicians, and an imaging suite with X-ray and ultrasound are located on the second floor of the new facility. The first floor houses the sports rehab center, which features advanced physical therapy techniques and the latest equipment to support each athlete’s customized, sport-specific care.
State-of-the-art equipment in the sports health facility includes:
- The area’s only microgravity treadmill, which supports safe and comfortable movement by reducing the total body weight on the lower extremities.
- A Keiser® functional trainer that uses pneumatic resistance to emulate the movements of the human body throughout the entire range of motion.
- A combined upper and lower body ergometer to rehab specific muscle groups with less resistance.
- An arc elliptical trainer that puts less strain on knee joints during recovery.
- A shuttle jump system for rebuilding lower body strength, power and agility.
Additional equipment includes a stationary bike, recumbent bike, weight machine, free weights, Pilates reformer, squat rack, AirTrack training equipment, TRX® suspension system and throwing wall.
“We have such an excellent staff in all our locations, with high levels of experience, education and advanced certifications, including board-certified specialists. Our elite group of therapists stays on top of the latest therapy techniques and technologies, injury prevention and performance. This ensures our athletes get the best possible care to return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible,” said Bragg-Coldsnow.
Physical therapist David Gabriel works with an athlete in Akron Children’s Sports Health at The University of Akron. This new facility is a regional destination center for anyone ages 12 and up with a sports-related injury.
Specialized sports medicine treatment includes ultrasound-guided injections of steroids to target precise pain points and platelet-rich plasma that uses platelets from a patient’s own blood to repair damaged tissue and joints. UA athletes also have access to sports psychology, sports nutrition services and an analysis of their body mechanics using 3D technology in Akron Children’s Sports Medicine department, located nearby on the Akron Children’s campus.
“We treat all sports injuries with programming ranging from an extensive concussion program to 3D analysis of many sports and bio-evaluation to orthotic fabrication and running evaluations,” said Bragg-Coldsnow. “I am extremely proud of our services and the collaboration that is happening here at The University of Akron.”
To make an appointment with Akron Children’s Sports Health at The University of Akron, call 330-543-2778. To learn more, visit akronchildrens.org/sportshealth.
