Runner Strength and Conditioning Week 1-4

About Mary Catherine

• Mary Catherine Casey
  Doctor Of Physical Therapy

Mary Kate graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and currently specializes in sports medicine rehabilitation. She is a former collegiate lacrosse player with four National Championships as a member of the Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team, current Head Lacrosse Coach at DePaul Prep in Chicago and a member of the Wellness Team for the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL). In 2019, Northwestern University Physical Therapy Department selected Mary Kate as the Young Alumni of the Year for her innovative contributions to the Physical Therapy Profession. Mary Kate sustained an ACL injury early in her freshman year of college, which sparked her interest in physical therapy. During a 6-9 months recovery process, Mary Kate followed a strict program that not only focused on strength, speed, agility, and quickness but also included flexibility, balance, mechanical and proprioceptive training during sport specific activities. This unique training regimen helped her achieve athletic success throughout her collegiate career and into young adulthood. Her holistic approach to injury prevention, sports performance, and mental preparation was born out of this experience. Her experience both as a former collegiate athlete and an experienced physical therapist, convinces her that something is missing for those athletes who train extended hours to excel in their sport, yet continuously need to fend off injuries. This along with her extensive understanding of the increasing prevalence of ACL tears, she developed her own ARSI Movement System which she utilizes during her therapy and sports performance programming. Her methodology pre- and post-injury focuses on the assessment of muscle imbalances, recruitment of specific muscles, stabilization of muscle groups and integration of proper mechanical loading during sport specific activities. Mary Kate addresses individual’s weaknesses with a hands on approach, employing manual therapy techniques, Graston Technique, myofascial release, neuromuscular control and dynamic flexibility. Currently, PREP is using DorsaVi wearable technology to provide baseline movement assessments to young athletes to assist with injury risk assessment, limb symmetry and return to play readiness. Founder of PREP Performance Center, a physical therapy and sports performance facility, Mary Kate emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, education, community involvement, injury prevention and integration with sports performance. Mary Kate’s team is providing cutting edge therapy and sports performance that helps athletes of all ages train like the pros and develop into well rounded athletes despite early sports specialization.