Why is my Physical Therapy Appointment at the Gym?
For the past two years, we’ve been delivering our physical therapy services at the West Seattle Health Club. This setting has offered significant benefits for both our clients and our practice. Below are a few observations on how treating within a gym environment has allowed us to deliver high quality physical therapy.
Strength Training at the Center of Rehabilitation
One of the most active areas of rehabilitation research centers on the role of strength training. Historically, physical therapists have underloaded and underdosed patients who truly need to build strength. Strength is defined as the amount of force a muscle can produce at a given moment, and improving it requires lifting loads that feel heavy, somewhat uncomfortable (but not painful), and can only be performed for a limited number of repetitions.
While bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and light dumbbells can improve muscular endurance and contribute to muscle growth through metabolic stress, they are often insufficient for developing muscle and tendon strength. Heavier loads are typically required. Integrating appropriate strength training as early as possible in the rehabilitation process leads to better outcomes.
Being based in a gym gives us access to the equipment necessary to safely and effectively challenge clients who are ready for this phase of rehab. In later stages, we frequently use power racks for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lift variations to help clients restore strength and confidence.
Access to Aquatic Therapy
The West Seattle Health Club also provides access to a pool, which allows us to offer aquatic therapy when appropriate. The pool serves two primary groups particularly well. First, clients who require partial weight-bearing early in rehabilitation benefit from the reduced joint loading water provides, while still being able to work on range of motion and cardiovascular conditioning.
Second, we work with many swimmers who are managing injuries and need stroke correction and a gradual return to swimming. Our physical therapists, Julia Badding, DPT, and Mikaela Miele, DPT, specialize in swimmer rehabilitation. Shoulder pain is especially common in this population, and having access to both in-water and dry-land training allows us to address these issues comprehensively.
Preparing for Return to Sport
Returning to team sports requires more than isolated exercises—it requires movement simulation and progressive training. The large exercise studios at the health club allow us to work on running mechanics, acceleration drills, lateral movements, and plyometrics. Having the space to safely reach game-speed movements has been a major advantage for our athletes.
When combined with structured strength training, this environment enables us to provide higher-level return-to-sport programming. Additionally, working indoors in a climate-controlled space improves comfort for both clients and therapists year-round.
Looking Ahead
We value our partnership with the West Seattle Health Club and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality rehabilitation services in a dynamic, well-equipped setting. We remain committed to finding innovative ways to support the health and movement of our West Seattle community.
If you’re interested in working with us at the West Seattle Health Club—or elsewhere—please reach out. We’re always happy to connect and create a plan to help you move better.
