History: After tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus in her knee during a high school lacrosse game, CEO and founder of DST Katie Nickerson never thought she would compete again. However, with the help of athletic trainers, she was able to return to play stronger than ever. Her success started her dream to open a training center targeted for high school athletes recovering from injuries. Did you know that professional and collegiate athletes have the fastest recovery time after injury? Those who have access to the best medical care are able to return faster and stronger than ever. Unfortunately, high school athletes do not have the same luxury. Our goal at DST is to provide a top of the line facility and knowledgable staff to ensure that each athlete can achieve their goals. Services: During an athlete’s first visit, our trainers work exclusively with our clients to create a personal recovery plan. This plan varies with each injury but follows the basic protocol of progression from full range of movement to full strength. At first, trainers will work to keep the injury mobile to avoid buildup of scar tissue through stretching exercises. As the patient progresses, they will advance to light cardio (either on the machines or around the turf field) and light weight lifting (either on the machines or using free weights). Finally, once a player has returned to pre-injury strength, they complete more advanced strength and agility exercises to get them back to the level of elite competition. Cost: Our goal is to ensure that each athlete returns to their respective sport even stronger than before. Since insurance only covers a small portion of the necessary physical therapy following an injury, our sponsors work hard to keep costs low. We are wiling to work with any athlete on a financial plan to guarantee that they receive the best care possible. Specialty Services: Alongside our trainers and physical therapists our faculty includes an experienced dietitian who works with each athlete to devise a diet that promotes overall health. We understand the dietary complications with athletes who are immobile after surgery and are more than willing to work with them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding excessive muscular dystrophy. In addition, DST partners with local psychiatric services to provide counseling and emotional support throughout the recovery process. Having been through the experience myself, I understand the emotional toll this process can have on a student athlete. We believe that development of mental stability is just as crucial as the physical aspects of recovery. Summer Programs: Alongside our daily services, DST offers summer programs with our athletic trainers to provide extra preparation for fall sport tryouts. Teams are welcome to use our facility in a one-week training camp. Workouts combine different elements of strength training, agility, and conditioning. These programs also serve as cooperative team building and promote overall team camaraderie. In addition to team programs, we also offer personal training with our certified trainers. Please call our office to inquire about summer program opportunities.
