The Sports Doctor, May 9, 2018
LIVE from Chicago! Gina Pongetti, prominent Sports Physical Therapist, co-owner of Achieve Physical Therapy Centers returns along with Timmer Halligan, former Tennis Pro, coach to many top juniors at 5 Star Tennis, & contributor to my new book #HeySportsParents. Then, it’s 'The Sports Doctor Is In' answering your questions and emails.
Guest, Gina Pongetti
A former gymnast of 14 years, and an accomplished triathlete herself: Gina raced in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI in October of 2006. She treats on site at Ironman events nationwide and is the provider of choice for many of the nation’s and worlds top Ironman triathletes.
Gina received her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Masters in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where she served for more than 8 years on the USA Gymnastics National Health Care Referral Network; providing medical care at meets and lecturing. Currently, Gina takes care of many of our nation’s top gymnasts, including local Elites, National Team members, World Team competitors, NCAA Champions, Olympians, and Pan American Champions.
Before starting her PT career, Gina obtained a Masters in Health Communication from Michigan State University in order to broaden her education and knowledge of health care campaigns, patient-practitioner interaction, and the art of “marketing” health to her patients. While at MSU, she served as an Asst. Women’s Gymnastics coach.
Through school and after, Gina had focused on all levels of athletes and became nationally and internationally recognized as a leading lecturer, educator, and researcher. She has presented over 100 lectures for coaches, parents, gyms, and athletes on various aspects of health care. She has been published in “Technique Magazine” for gymnastics professionals and coaches nationwide, is a Medical Editor for “Inside Publications”, whose disciplines include gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and volleyball. She also writes for “Irish Dancing and Culture Magazine”, as well a medical blogger/contributor for adolescent, adult, and women’s health through “Shannon Miller Lifestyle” online.
Gina has also co-written the only American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved manual and course on performing arts medicine: recognized worldwide. Her Performing Arts Medicine specialization includes treatment on site of Broadway touring theater musicals and local productions. Analysis, assessment, treatment, injury prevention, program creation and tour health longevity are focuses of her time with the performers. She has been privileged to work with shows such as “Mary Poppins National Tour, Jersey Boys Chicago, A Chorus Line - National Tour, Fiddler on the Roof - National Tour, Memphis, Shrek - National Tour, the Billy Elliott National Touring Company, Motown, and The Book of Mormon”.
Gina focuses on manual therapy/hands on techniques in combination with in depth analysis of biomechanics and movement patterns. She is fully certified and serves as an instructor with Active Release Techniques, based in Colorado, the leading elite technique for soft tissue-based and overuse injuries. Gina is currently focused on both treatment and education.
In 2007 Gina started her own business: MedGym, LLC and has expanded it via websites, blogs, publications, and educational seminars, focusing on “Gymnastics Sports Medicine for Me,” a course directed at educating gymnastics coaches on the importance of injury prevention and proactive healthcare. Locally, she provides physical therapy and movement analysis, strength program creation, flexibility assessment and sport-specific biomechanics education. Gina works with many local figure skating and cheerleading clubs, dance studios, gymnastics gyms, and musicians as well as endurance sports clubs and more while providing PT services in the Chicagoland Suburbs with Achieve Orthopedic Rehab Institute.
Gina resides in the suburbs of Chicago and enjoys working out, theater and music, and spending time with her husband and three children and dog, Bucky!
Guest, Timmer Halligan
The Sports Doctor
The Sports Doctor is in! Dr. Robert A Weil, Sports Podiatrist, specializes in orthotics that improve alignment, stability, balance & performance. He has practiced podiatry & sports medicine for over 30 years in the Aurora- Naperville area and was recently inducted into the prestigious 2019 National Fitness Hall Of Fame. Dr. Bob has treated many of the world’s premier athletes from all types of sports. He is the host of “The Sports Doctor™” Radio Show. The show is now featured on BBS Radio Network, UK Health Radio Network & Sports 4 Fanz Radio. Dr. Bob was formerly on HealthyLife Radio and was also on WDCB public radio in Chicago for over 20 years. He has written articles for many newspapers & magazines and is a frequent guest on other networks. And his new book, co-written with Sharkie Zartman, titled '#Hey Sports Parents! An Essential Guide for Any Parent with a Child in Sports' - is now available on Amazon!
Join the Sports Doctor and his great guests for important topical information for injury free exercise, wellness and sports performance for both adults and kids. Frequent topics include, the role of the foot in sports, all aspects of sports medicine including, proper sports shoes, youth safety, health, wellness, and sports performance for both adults and children.