Our Athletics Philosophy

Athletes who are serious about taking their game to the next level train at Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy. Our specific exercises and drills develop sport specific speed, power and durability. If your athlete has a goal to compete at the Varsity level or make a college team, Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy can make those goals a reality.

Reach Your Potential and Reduce Injuries

Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy builds sound athletic strength and conditioning programs for teams and individuals. We are passionate about improving performance in our athletes and giving them the skills they need to be powerful, quick, agile, and instinctive without sacrificing joint mobility and muscular flexibility.

The Right Approach to Youth Athletic Development

Joe and Jeff bring extensive experience in training young athletes, employing methods backed by the International Youth Conditioning Association and pioneering training techniques from experts like Jozef Drabik. Their approach emphasizes coordination and progressive strength development using age-appropriate activities. Instead of applying professional or elite-level training methods to children, they use a bottom-up approach. This allows kids to master basic movement skills before progressing to more complex movements, creating a solid foundation for sport-specific skills.

Experience Across a Wide Range of Sports

Joe and Jeff have worked with a diverse group of athletes across various sports, including football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, skiing, track & field, marathon running, gymnastics, wheelchair sports, and even the Highland/Scottish Games. Many of their trainees have successfully achieved their goals, from making sports teams to competing at the varsity and collegiate levels.

Developmentally Appropriate Training for Optimal Growth

With a strong background in sports education and movement training, Joe and Jeff understand the importance of developmentally appropriate exercise programs. They consider all the factors influencing young athletes’ progress, ensuring they receive training suited to their growth and maturation. This approach keeps athletes healthy and engaged, reducing injury risks while maximizing their potential in their chosen sports.

The Focus on Movement Over Raw Strength

For young athletes, mastering body control and movement coordination is far more important than improving max lifts or sprint times. A bigger bench press does not directly translate to better performance on the field. While strength training has its place, it must be introduced progressively and appropriately. Overemphasizing maximum force production and straight-line speed can limit range of motion and increase the risk of injury.

Coordination: The Key to Long-Term Athletic Success

One of the most critical periods for developing athletic ability occurs between middle school and high school. Growth spurts can temporarily disrupt coordination, as the nervous system adapts to new muscle, ligament, and bone structures. During this time, young athletes must refine their ability to control their bodies to maintain efficiency in movement.

What Separates High School and College Athletes?

The primary difference between high school and collegiate athletes is movement efficiency. College athletes can change direction and react more quickly due to superior joint mobility, controlled flexibility (stability), and refined coordination. Enhanced mobility and stability improve force absorption and power generation, which are key to athletic performance. Strength naturally increases with age due to hormonal changes, peaking around age 25.

Proven Success at Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy

At Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy, Joe and Jeff have successfully nurtured young athletes through their Strength and Power classes. Many of their trainees have gone on to become varsity and college-level competitors. By focusing on coordination, mobility, and progressive strength development, they help young athletes reach their full potential while minimizing the risk of injury.

Building a strong foundation in movement and coordination is the key to long-term athletic success. With the right guidance, young athletes can develop the skills necessary to thrive in their sports and beyond.