Dan, Todd, and Dave at SPEAR

As Joplin, Missouri continues to recover both physically and mentally from the tornado that killed over 150 people a year ago, two SPEAR patients are using their SPEAR-guided physical fitness recovery to help the small Midwestern town with its own recovery.

In an unexpected turn of events, three NYC athletes who met in 2002 as teammates on a semipro Westchester baseball team have unknowingly been working together towards one adventurous recovery event: a 7-state, 20-day, 1,500-mile fundraising bike ride from New York City to Joplin, Missouri.

Back in the baseball days, Dan Rootenberg, SPEAR Physical Therapy co-founder, would drive the trio from Manhattan to play the game that binds many men together with similar passions. Although hailing from different parts of the country, Todd from Joplin, MO; Dave from Boston and Dan a Brooklyn-born New Yorker, the teammates formed a close connection. Every game the three would pile into Dan’s SUV packed to capacity with bats, gloves, baseball spikes, and hilarious, bond-building stories.

They always had a great time together driving up to the games often with their teammate Karl. A funny group, they made each other laugh both with and at each other. “Often times the highlight of the 10 hour days, which included doubleheaders against top competition in the metro area, were the car rides,” says Dan.

“There was this gradual yet intense bond that was obviously building; in hindsight it’s as if you knew we would all be helping each other in a big way in the future,” Todd remembers.

Fast forward to their post baseball days, and Dave and Todd coincidentally and respectively tore their ACL’s playing basketball and football. In the past, these devastating knee injuries would be career-enders. But with today’s progress in medicine and rehab, and after months of grueling work, both Todd and Dave climbed their way back to peak physical form. Dan, the friend that drove the crew to their baseball games, this time navigated them through their rehab.

“The SPEAR family understood my drive and intensity as a competitive athlete; that it wasn’t about being able to simply walk and do day to day things but that for me it was about coming back stronger and better than I was before–and we achieved that,” Dave says.

“As a personal trainer, I’m always preaching to my clients about ‘no excuses’ finding a way to get out and make things happen against all odds.  No matter how physically grueling 80 miles per day with 50lbs of equipment loaded on our bikes may be, it pales in comparison to what the people of Joplin went through last year.  They persevered and endured and we will do the same.”

Todd says that “athletics have always been such an integral part of my life. I had grown up constantly playing multiple sports, so the fear of not returning to the basketball court, football field or bicycle path was literally one of the most emotional times in my life. To be able to confidently take on an amazing athletic adventure greater than any I had ever accomplished before the injury, makes me so grateful that I feel I need to do something great with my good fortune.”

Years later after Joplin was ravaged by one of the largest, most damaging tornadoes in U.S. history, Todd moved back to help fulfill a calling he had to give back to his town. He helped co-found the Joplin Expats, and decide on a fundraiser that is sure to challenge his athletic abilities, patience, and mental toughness.

But he couldn’t do it alone. Now Todd and Dave are showing the ultimate recovery and are riding in the Cycle for Joplin. They will be biking 1,500 miles on their reconstructed , strong and healthy knees. Dan will be keeping close tabs on them and teaching them taping techniques and flexibility exercises to reduce strain on their knees and low backs.  SPEAR Physical Therapy has also pledged to donate their healing guidance, post event, in case any injuries occur that will require some rehab or recovery.

Follow the ride as they blog from the road, and make your contributions here: www.cycleforjoplin.com

Denise Castelli gearing up for a work out.  Photo credit: Jeremy Freeman/CNN

I’ve always believed in the magic between wanting to do something and then knowing you’ve done it.  It’s the same magic Nike touts in their now ubiquitous “Just Do It” slogan, three words that have become the stuff of advertising legend and the definitive blueprint behind the architecture of success.  Have a goal you want to accomplish?  Figure out your way and just do it.

As a person interested in narratives, I see the magic of human endeavor almost everywhere, but nowhere more obvious than with athletes.  Athletes, I’ve come to believe, have mastered the art of just doing it- and they do it on a stage (soccer pitch, tennis court, hockey rink, baseball diamond, or football field just to name a few) where more often than not the stakes (and emotions) are high.  Who doesn’t love a good sports narrative and its attendant hyperbole?  Loyal fans of any sports denomination can recall at will the agony and the ecstasy of rooting for a team or a player.

What is perhaps most unique about athletes is that their medium can also easily inspire other people.  We know intuitively when an athlete is prepared, when they have poured endless hours of hard work, training, and heart into their craft.  It is inspiring to behold and contagious to be around.

Last month, SPEAR was introduced to an athlete and an organization helping physically challenged people become or return to being athletes.  Denise Castelli and the Challenged Athletes Foundation were invited to share their story with SPEAR by our  therapists Jared Lando and Ryan Kitzen.  They along with Dave Endres are competing in triathlons later this summer to raise money for CAF.  Denise and Justin Model spoke during our March staff meeting about the work they have done with challenged athletes.

What follows is their story, one that we hope will inspire you as it has inspired us.

photo credit: Jeremy Freeman/CNN

When I called Denise Castelli last week to ask her what she remembered about the day she broke her leg, she told me in a clear and buoyant voice, “When I close my eyes I can remember everything.  Down to the last breath I took before it happened, it’s so vivid in my mind.”

I had reservations about asking her this particular question, fearing that it might take her back to a difficult time, back to the point of the narrative before the hero embarks on the challenging mission and realizes what he or she is made of.   Back to when the hero still has no idea that he or she is a hero at all.  Denise, however, didn’t think twice about answering.  This was, after all, not the first time she had been asked to tell her story.

Justin and Denise at our 56th street location

Three weeks earlier, Denise and Justin Model of the Challenged Athletes Foundation stood before a bright projector at our 56^th street location, talking about their work with, for, and as challenged athletes.  Justin, a member of CAF’s advisory board introduced Denise, who walked to the front of the room poised and wide-eyed, with the kind of smooth, deliberate movements we’ve become accustomed to seeing in the young and the strong.  “Exactly how is this person challenged?” I wondered.

And then Denise told us her story.

It was April 22, 2008.  Denise was a senior at New Haven University and the center fielder for the New Haven Chargers, playing a double header away from home against Mercy College.  Denise’s right leg got caught underneath her left during her slide to steal second.  In a matter of moments she suffered a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, an injury she would spend the next year and a half (and over 30 surgeries) attempting to heal, a process continuously hampered by the onset of infection.  On November 4, 2009, when her doctors could no longer fight the osteomyelitis, Denise, who had spent most of her life playing sports was told that her limb would have to be amputated.

“I don’t even think ‘devastating’ is really the word that could describe how I felt,” described Denise, “I was an athlete my entire life and now I only viewed myself as a cripple and a handicap and that was a hard pill to swallow for a while.”

photo credit: Jeremy Freeman/CNN

After the surgery to amputate her right leg, Denise was fitted for a prosthetic.  “It’s not as simple as it looks in the movies,” she said, “you don’t just strap on your new leg and start walking around.  It hurt and it was uncomfortable and it required a lot of trust in prosthetic itself.  I couldn’t wear the leg for that long.  I’d use it for two minutes a day and then get on my crutches.”

This was a turning point for Denise, a person who had always been a confident athlete, conditioned by the Just Do It attitude that accompanies the discipline and determination required to excel in sports.  That same focus would come to buoy the spirits of the then 24 year-old.  “I really just had to tell myself that I was learning to walk all over again.  I was now a 24 year-old toddler learning to walk.  During my first 5-minute walk test I didn’t think I could make it, but after 3 months I was walking all day every day without even thinking about it.”

In May 2010 Denise was encouraged by her prosthetist to attend a one-day running and mobility clinic hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization devoted to providing instructional and financial resources to transform (and in some cases return) physically challenged people into athletes.  Started on the West Coast, CAF’s work has effected the lives of thousands of men, women, and children, providing them with the resources to get into the athletic head space of “Just Do It.”  For a person who has lost a limb or is otherwise bound to the notion that one cannot literally move, this is life-altering.

Trepidatious about participating in an athletic event after nearly two years away from any sport, Denise put her anxieties aside and decided to attend.  It was a decision that changed her life.   “That day I ran for the first time since my amputation.  They harnessed me up and gave me a ton of instructions and it was a huge moment for me and for my parents because we never thought I’d get there ever again.”

Just two weeks after the clinic Denise signed back up for softball and batted .611, the highest batting average of her career.  She joined the volleyball team and tried out and was selected to be a ball girl at the 2011 US Open, receiving an on air shout out from John McEnroe and Dick Enberg during the women’s semi-final match.

Denise’s latest challenge is training for a triathlon with Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN’s Fit Nation’s 2012 Tri Challenge team.  Denise is one of 7 viewers chosen to train over the next 8 months to compete in the Malibu Classic in September, covering a half mile swim followed by an 18-mile bike ride and a 4 mile run.  The viewers chosen for the Tri Challenge, now in its third iteration, run the gamut from radio host to truck driver, participants who are all eager to conquer this health and fitness goal while inspiring others.  You can get to know the participants and their respective causes and personal goals on the Fit Nation profile page.

photo credit: Jeremy Freeman/CNN

Denise trains at her local YMCA and will begin training with Laura Cozik in New York City with an all-female triathlon team this May.

The last question I asked Denise was what she would tell amputees experiencing struggles similar to her own earlier experiences.  Denise paused for a moment before offering a true athlete’s response, “Never ask ‘Why me?’ Bad things happen to people all the time, you’re certainly not the first and you won’t be the last.  The moment you realize you’re not alone, it changes your life.  Just being able to share these feelings with people is life changing, literally every step of the way.”

You can follow this year’s CNN’s Fit Nation 2012 Tri Challenge Team here and Denise’s blog about her Tri Challenge experience here.

Did you know that SPEAR offers a physical therapy program specifically catered to addressing women’s health and performance?  In this entry Kelly Althaus PT, DPT, assistant clinical director and physical therapist at our 56th street location tells us about her passion for the program, as well as what (and who) inspired and continues to inspire her about her work.

What is SPEAR’S Women’s Health Program?  What is its goal and how does it work?
The American Physical Therapy Association explains, “As a woman in today’s world, you enjoy a life of many choices. The choices we make will determine the way we use our body through the decades. A physical therapist will be there for you as you progress through all stages of your life.”

Women’s health issues have been making headlines in the past few weeks, highlighting the necessity of education, awareness and a major movement to occur within this country. SPEAR’s Women’s Health Program is designed to empower its patients with knowledge about the changes that occur over the life span, along with providing solutions to the pain that limits our daily lives.  We have developed a program that covers a variety of diagnosis including prenatal and postpartum care, osteoporosis, pelvic pain, and incontinence. Treatments are developed around the patient’s goals and lifestyle, using a variety of manual (hands-on) techniques and exercise prescription.

How did you first become interested in this kind of work?
I first learned about this field during school and was very inspired by my professor, Dr. Carol Figuers PD, EdD. She displayed such passion and enthusiasm it made me want to help make a change in our profession for the benefit of the patients. I think that the largest obstacle to overcome is the lack of awareness that there is help available for this group of individuals. Many women just assume that the aches and pains are just part of life and they are meant to stay quiet and deal with these changes on their own. I want to change that perception.

Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with women’s health?
Most of my work has been centered around prenatal and postpartum care, along with osteoporosis. With all patients I spend the most time educating and assisting in the strengthening of the “core”, which includes the transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, diaphragm and multifidi. This is our center, where we gather our strength and what allows us to complete everyday life with less pain and stress on the body.

Pregnancy patients present with a variety of issues, most common is the complaint of low back pain and SI pain. With all pregnancy patients I like to focus on a total body strengthening program in order to not only address the current issues but to also prepare the body for the next chapter.

Postpartum patients have come to see me for a variety of reasons including cervical and lumbar pain, hip dysfunctions, pubic pain, diastasis recti, coccyx pain and return to sport. It is imperative that these women are able to express their goals and we, as a team, develop a routine that fits into their very busy lifestyles.

Osteoporosis is a very serious diagnosis and can result in a severe decline in quality of life. A common misconception is that this diagnosis only occurs in the elderly when in fact we are seeing a rise in the younger generation for a variety of reasons. Evidence based practice has demonstrated that the best course of treatment is a combination of strength training, stretching and aerobic exercises.

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of this job, no matter who the patient, is hearing that I have helped to change their lives. I would like to think that the next time one of my patients bends down to lift up an object and contracts their transverse abdominis and pelvic floor they will think of me.

Who are your personal heroes/people you look up to?
I am going to have to go with my family; I have gotten so much from each of them. My Dad is so hard working yet has always reminded me to keep everything in perspective, because of him I put family first and “work to live, not live to work.”  My Mom is just fabulous, she has worked at the same job for 30 years and still loves it but was always home making dinner every night. She is the reason I love cooking and baking and she always takes my phone calls no matter how busy. My sister is my best friend and amazes me with her knowledge, music taste and the way she can always make me laugh.

What got you into physical therapy?
I had to go to physical therapy when I was 14 years old for knee pain but I was a horrible patient, however I really enjoyed my physical therapist and it seemed like a cool job. Around the same time my Grandma was suffering with very severe back pain and underwent an operation that left her with permanent nerve damage and wheelchair bound. It was very hard on the family and my Grandma and I decided that I wanted to get into Physical Therapy so I could help others with their healing and recovery.

Thinking about your career, what kind of legacy would you like to leave in this field?
I want to be known as someone who displays passion, compassion, and empathy with everyone they meet. I want my patients to view me as someone who cares more about educating and teaching them how to empower their lives than my pay check. Mostly I want to inspire others to follow their dreams and view their bodies as the beautiful temples they are.

SPEAR is working to expand our Women’s Health Program to address the needs of all of our patients.  Karen Poplavski PT, DPT, recently joined our team as a physical therapist at 56th Street.  Together, she, Kelly, and 56th street physical therapist Kasey Johnson PT, DPT hope to encourage and empower women through education, healing, and strengthening.  For more information on our program or to schedule an appointment call us at (212) 759-2211.

With the weather warming up we know that many of our patients are beginning to train toward their fitness goals.  SPEAR is excited to share a few training and success stories with you, starting with this piece written by SPEAR president and co-founder, Dan Rootenberg.  Last summer he participated in his first triathlon (alongside co-founder Dave Endres, and clinical directors Ryan Kitzen and Jaclyn Fehrenback), an event that challenged the seasoned professional baseball player and as you’ll read, produced deeply rewarding results.

At one of SPEAR’s monthly staff meetings last year, a few of our clinic directors suggested that we all do a Triathlon together as a team building event.  My immediate reaction was “no way!”  After all, endurance events have never played into my athletic strengths.   To the contrary, my baseball background trained me for focused and steady anticipation, only to be interrupted about 4-6 times per game by quick bursts of speed and power delivered at 110%, and then to be followed by more anticipation.  Yet, every time the triathlon was mentioned at subsequent meetings, I began feeling this internal pressure—mixed with my usual desire to participate in all SPEAR events—to sign up for this endurance challenge.

With a stroke of my pen, I signed myself up for something well beyond my comfort zone.  The entire summer, I focused my training where I thought it would matter most–the avoidance of drowning: or as other people call it, swimming.   I also ran a few miles per week.  It’s important to listen to your body and knowing that high mileage has a tendency to give me knee soreness and plantar fasciitis, aka heel pain, I didn’t overdo the running aspect of my training regimen.  Since I had limited time to train, and I’ve always been good in bikes, I did not even buy my road bike until 10 days before the race!

August 7th was race day.  I woke up at 3:30 am to start the journey.  Dave and I got to Greenwich in the dark in the midst of a rainstorm.  The swim was absolutely treacherous (even for experienced triathletes), with waves hitting me in the face as I attempted to control my breathing while executing my strokes.   I was scared and nervous that I wouldn’t make it.  I had to stop and take a breath more than once (which is not easy to do in open waters).  I eventually made it to shore, only to notice that everyone was running to their bike racks.  It struck me as odd, since I was simply overjoyed to be on dry land and was ready to sit down and celebrate that! I started jogging towards the bikes, but just to look the part.  I rode the 15 miles along the hilly course, all the while getting hit by rain and hail, and then ran the final 3 miles through the brush.

As I headed towards the finish line by the beach, the SPEAR team (most of them had finished already) and my family were cheering for me.  Unable to contain himself, my four year old, Jack, leaped up and ran across the finish line with me.  I was elated!  I made it!  I had not drowned!  I did not come in last either!  It is an experience I will always remember.  I may even make it an annual event, opening up a new pipeline of experiences to come.

Dan's son Jack finishing the triathalon with his father.

When was the last time that you declined to do something because it took you out of your comfort zone?  The next time you have an opportunity that you may not otherwise take – Just Do It.  Jimmy Rollins, former NL MVP and current star Philadelphia Phillies shortstop subscribes to the adage “Do it scared!”

Focus on what you feel is the most important area that may need development (i.e., swimming).  Now I’m not advocating risky behavior here, but rather when a challenge, meeting, social event, business or career opportunity comes along that you may otherwise pass on, consider accepting.  This small act may yield surprisingly positive results and opportunities.  At the very least you will be “in the arena” and will feel alive, as I did on that final leg- appreciating the struggle and the discomfort, along with the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The SPEAR team after completing the tri.

In case you missed it, SPEAR was included in today’s AM New York running insert, “Run This City.” Featured below is Dan’s editorial on the most essential component to any runner’s routine.

Question: What is an essential element of any runner’s routine?

Answer: Stretching.

Our bodies are naturally designed like well-engineered cars.  While we need to fuel our engines with proper nutrition, we also need to make sure that our wheels are properly aligned and rotating on the correct axis.If the wheels of a car are misaligned or poorly balanced, the car veers to one side and wears out its tires unevenly.

A similar phenomenon occurs with your muscles and joints if your hip and lower leg flexibility is not balanced.  Poor flexibility can tax your system, force your muscles to work harder and less efficiently, and can alter your running mechanics – all increasing your risk of injury.

Tight hamstrings can cause a runner to suffer from back pain and tight Achilles tendons can lead to altered knee mechanics changing the kinetic chain and your running gait.

Prior to running, we recommend a dynamic warm-up consisting of movements that enhance joint and muscle range of motion. Dynamic stretching warms up the muscles, increases blood flow and delivers oxygen to the muscles (like warming up your engine).

Examples are high knees, walking lunges, and standing leg swings. Static stretching can be performed before or after running, and are held for 30 seconds to enhance muscle length and flexibility.