Why Student Athletes in St. Johns, Florida Need a Summer Injury Prevention Plan

Think your “tight” muscles just need more stretching? You might be missing the real issue. Learn why muscle tightness is often a sign of weakness and how strength training can offer lasting relief.

When most golfers think about improving their game, the first things that come to mind are clubs, grip, and swing mechanics. But here’s the truth: your hips are the powerhouse of your swing. Without proper hip stability and control, you risk losing distance, struggling with consistency, and even dealing with nagging back pain. At Movement Driven, we specialize in golf training in St. Johns designed to bridge the gap between injury rehab and performance. One of our go-to drills for both prevention and performance is the hip airplane — a simple yet powerful move that trains hip control, rotation, and balance. Why Hip Control Matters in Golf Your hips play two critical roles in your swing: 1. Power generation – They transfer force from the ground through your torso and into the club. 2. Stability – They keep your lower body anchored while your upper body rotates. When hip control is lacking, golfers often compensate with their spine or knees. Over time, this can lead to low back pain, poor mechanics, and reduced efficiency on the course. That’s why focusing on golf training in St. Johns that builds hip stability is essential for players of all levels. The Hip Airplane Drill: A Golfer’s Secret Weapon The hip airplane drill is a favorite because it directly mimics the rotational demands of a golf swing. Here’s why it matters: • Improves hip stability for stronger, more consistent swings • Enhances rotation without straining the low back • Strengthens the glute medius and hip rotators, critical for endurance and control • Carries over to real swings, helping golfers stay grounded while rotating smoothly Adding this drill to your warm-up or gym routine can help you unlock better control, more power, and fewer aches after a round. Common Golf-Related Imbalances to Watch For Many golfers struggle with the same physical issues that affect their game. Use this quick checklist to see if you might need to address an imbalance: ✅ Do you feel your back working harder than your hips during swings? ✅ Do you struggle to maintain balance on your lead leg? ✅ Do your shoulders and pelvis feel “out of sync” during rotation? ✅ Have you noticed recurring stiffness in your low back or hips after playing? If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to invest in golf training in St. Johns that targets your unique movement patterns. Take Your Golf Performance to the Next Level Don’t let poor hip control hold back your swing or put you at risk for injury. Our Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) assessments and Golf Performance sessions are designed to identify your movement limitations and create a personalized plan that bridges rehab and performance. Whether you’re looking to prevent back pain, add power to your drives, or simply play the game longer and pain-free, Movement Driven’s golf training in St. Johns can get you there. 👉 Book your TPI Assessment or Golf Performance Session today and start swinging with confidence.

Struggling with low back pain at work? Discover how core strength, desk setup, and movement breaks can prevent pain and boost workplace wellness.

Discover how stability and strength—not just stretching—are key to improving long-term mobility in St. Johns. Book your assessment today.

Sunshine, Swings—and Sore Backs?

There’s a long-standing myth that lifting weights is only for men or those trying to “bulk up.” But here’s the truth: every woman should lift weights — no matter your age, stage, or background. If you’re in St. Johns, Florida and looking to build strength, confidence, and longevity, this is your sign. Whether you’re 25 or 65, postpartum or perimenopausal, a runner or a desk warrior — lifting weights can completely transform how you move, feel, and live. At Movement Driven Performance Physiotherapy, we’re here to help women stop chasing skinny and start chasing strong. READ: Girls Are SEVEN Times More Likely to Tear Their ACLs than Boys Here’s why every woman should lift weights:

At Movement Driven Performance Physcial Therapy in St. John’s, FL, we know that student athletes don’t get an off-season — especially when back-to-school means back to conditioning, tryouts, and preseason practice. Whether your athlete is getting ready for football, volleyball, cross country, or golf, now is the time to set the foundation for a strong, injury-free season. READ: How Physical Therapy Can Keep Athletes Strong and Injury-Free During the Off-Season Here’s how we recommend preparing student athletes to perform their best this school year:

For athletes in St. Johns, the off-season can be a time of rest — but it shouldn’t be a time of regression. While taking a break from competition is essential for recovery, too much downtime without structure can lead to deconditioning, loss of mobility, or even an increased risk of injury once training resumes. That’s why the off-season is the perfect window for athletes to focus on building strength, improving movement patterns, and addressing any lingering issues from the previous season. It’s also an opportunity to make real progress in areas that often get overlooked during in-season training, such as stability, flexibility, and neuromuscular control. READ: Stronger This Summer: Your Guide to Staying Mobile and Pain-Free All Season Long

As spring approaches in St. Johns, local athletes begin gearing up for another intense season of competition. Whether it’s baseball, track and field, lacrosse, or tennis, spring sports bring unique physical demands that challenge strength, agility, and endurance. For many athletes, especially those returning from the off-season or recovering from minor injuries, proper preparation is key to both performance and safety. READ: Stronger This Summer: Your Guide to Staying Mobile and Pain-Free All Season Long This is where physical therapy becomes an essential part of the equation. Far from being reserved only for injury recovery, sports physical therapy can serve as a proactive tool to help athletes fine-tune their movements, build resilience, and get game-day ready with confidence. At Movement Driven , we specialize in helping St. Johns athletes of all levels prepare their bodies to meet the demands of the season head-on — so they can compete at their best from day one.