How Physical Therapy Prevents Sports Injuries in Bergen County Athletes

Whether you’re training for a marathon, playing in a local league, or competing at a collegiate level, staying healthy is essential to performing your best. At Spectrum Physical Therapy, our goal is to help athletes stay in the game, feeling stronger, faster, and staying injury-free.

Dr. Greg Zaccone is a certified/licensed athletic trainer who has had years of experience helping athletes recover from injury and prevent future injuries. As a former athlete himself, he understands the dedication that athletes put into their sport and the toll it has on the body. He has worked alongside athletes of all abilities, from youth athletic programs to pro athletes.

Dr. Josh Perez is an avid runner, and actively involved in intermural sports on the weekends. He had the amazing opportunity to work with the San Francisco Giants in 2023.

Both Dr. Greg and Dr. Josh have received certification through HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) for the overhead athlete. They continue to work with athletes and ensure that they are learning how to prevent injuries as their therapy comes to an end.

Understanding Sports Injury Prevention

Sports injury prevention goes beyond stretching and warming up. It’s about identifying muscle imbalances, improving movement mechanics, and building resilience through targeted strength and mobility work. Physical therapy plays a key role in each of these areas, helping athletes correct weaknesses before they become injuries.

Common preventable injuries include:

• ACL and MCL sprains

• Hamstring and groin pulls

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Shin splints and stress fractures

• Tendonitis (shoulder, knee, or Achilles)

By addressing these risks early, physical therapists can help reduce downtime and keep athletes performing at their peak.

How Physical Therapy Keeps Athletes in the Game

At Spectrum PT, our physical therapists use advanced assessment tools and individualized training programs to:

1. Evaluate movement patterns – Detecting asymmetries or imbalances that increase injury risk.

2. Improve flexibility and strength – Building stability and control in key joints and muscle groups.

3. Enhance neuromuscular control – Training your body to react efficiently under stress.

4. Educate athletes – Teaching proper mechanics, recovery techniques, and load management.

Whether you’re recovering from a past injury or aiming to avoid one, our therapists tailor your program to your sport and performance goals.

The Role of Athletic Training in Bergen County, NJ

Our athletic training programs in Bergen County, NJ, combine the science of physical therapy with sport-specific conditioning. Working closely with our physical therapists, athletic trainers develop integrated plans to improve agility, endurance, and coordination—critical elements for long-term success on and off the field.

Athletic trainers monitor workload, recovery, and biomechanics, helping athletes train smarter and prevent overuse injuries.

We offer personal training sessions with our Certified / Licensed Athletic Trainers in the office or at your home.

Serving Athletes Across Bergen County, 

Spectrum PT proudly serves the Edgewater and Old Tappan communities with experienced staff, and a deep commitment to athlete health. From high school competitors to weekend warriors, we help Bergen County athletes reach their highest potential.

Learn more about injury prevention for young athletes from APTA. 

Don’t wait until pain sidelines your season. Start your sports injury prevention plan today with Spectrum Physical Therapy. Contact our team in Edgewater or Old Tappan to schedule your evaluation and keep your performance at its best.