Physical Therapist Provides Injury Analysis For Fantasy Football

With fantasy football almost as popular as the real-life games, enthusiasts can now look to a physical therapist, an expert in musculoskeletal conditions, for a better understanding of the injuries plaguing their fantasy teams. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member Stephania Bell, PT, MS, OCS, CSCS, has joined ESPN.com as an "injury expert" on issues related to fantasy sports.

A board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Bell has embraced her new role with ESPN.com and is proud that a physical therapist has been chosen for this role. "It's fantastic to combine my clinical experience as a physical therapist with my love of sports to help satisfy the curiosity of the fantasy audience, as well as sports viewers at large. In the fantasy sports world, understanding musculoskeletal injuries and their impact can provide a significant competitive advantage."

Responding to injury reports released every Friday by the National Football League (NFL), Bell will update her blog regularly, offering her professional opinion and analysis of the injuries. Additionally, Bell hosts an online chat and appears as a guest on the Fantasy Football podcast every Friday. Links to these features are accessible through the blog.

APTA's consumer Web page offers a "one-stop shop" for those seeking more information about how physical therapists can help in both prevention and rehabilitation. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, download various health brochures, peruse interactive health centers, search for information about thousands of different healthcare topics, and much more.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing 71,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research.