Press Release - July 2006

Blue Care Network of Michigan designates

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center’s locations

as "Low Back Pain Centers of Excellence"

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is proud to announce our designation as a Blue Care Network Low Back Pain Center of Excellence. Blue Care Network is affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and the largest HMO in the state.  To earn the Low Back Pain Center of Excellence designation, Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers adhere to specified quality criteria for staffing supervision, treatment modalities and patient education.

The Center of Excellence designation recongizes those facilities with the most comprehensive treatment, and processes in place to deliver better outcomes and fewer complications for patients.

The designation includes each of the following locations:

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers -

Petoskey - 4048 Cedar Bluff Drive, Suite 2

Harbor Springs - 8452 M-119, Harbor Plaza

Charlevoix - 06510 M-66 North, Kmart Plaza

Cheboygan Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

11153 North Straits Highway

Indian River Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

3805 South Straits Highway

Rogers City Physical Therapy

506 N. Bradley Highway

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Centers combine dedicated staff and advanced technology to increase the potential for desirable patient outcomes. 

Press Release - April 2006

“Bear River Crawl to benefit

Make * A * Wish of Michigan”

Petoskey, Michigan – Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is hosting the 1st annual Sports Medicine Center’s Bear River Crawl, a 5k run and 1 mile fun run/walk on July 15th at Bay Front Park in Petoskey, Michigan.   Proceeds from the Bear River Crawl will benefit the Make*A*Wish Foundation of Michigan. 

Starting at 9am at Bay Front Park in downtown Petoskey, the Sports Medicine Center’s Bear River Crawl 5k race will travel up the beautiful Bear River Trail and will finish back at the waterfront.  Top male and female finishers in 14 age divisions will receive awards.  The 1 mile fun run/walk will travel along the bay front on the Little Traverse Wheelway.   Each participant will receive a tee shirt.

Registration forms are available at Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center, local sports stores or on the web at www.northernmichigansportsmed.com Registration before July 14st is $15 and $20 the day of the event, the proceeds of which will benefit the Make* A* Wish Foundation of Michigan, a charitable, nonprofit organization established to grant wishes to children battling life-threatening illnesses.  This year, they hope to grant more than 400 heartfelt wishes to children here in Michigan. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available to help cover the cost of the race. For more information about the Bear River Crawl, please contact Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-347-9300.

Press Release - May 2006

“Kids in Motion”

Petoskey, Michigan – Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is offering a The Kids in Motion program created to get children physically active, and to have fun.  The program is designed for children 7-12 year olds.   Kids in Motion will be held at North Central Michigan College on Tuesday and Thursdays starting June 20th from 11:00 am till 12:30pm.  The fee is $50 for 7 sessions and includes a healthy lunch each day.

Each session is specifically geared for kids that are not as active as they should be and for those who may suffer from any health risk factors.  The program teaches the benefits of healthy movement and lifestyle choices all within a non competitive structure.  For more information, please contact Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-347-9300.

Press Release February 2006

“What it takes to succeed”

 by “The Rock,” Jon Jansen, Lineman for the Washington Redskins.

Petoskey, MI – The Petoskey High School weight room was crowded with over 80 students Monday, February 27 to hear Jon Jansen, from the Washington Redskins, talk about how conditioning and academics made him successful. 

Jon Jansen played for the University of Michigan and was part of the 1997 National Championship team.  He was drafted in the second round by the Washington Redskins and is one of the most respected players in the NFL.  Nicknamed “Rock” for his dependability and solid character, few men in the NFL exhibits those qualities better.

Jansen’s motivational speech to the students providing invaluable advice on teamwork, leadership, goal setting, character, discipline, success and lessons athletics teach.  He stressed the importance of education to drive his success in the NFL.  Having good communication skills was a key point.  He believes that being able to set goals and exchange ideas with the coaches, team mates and in his personal life has made a difference in his career.   After 20 minutes, Jon turned the conversation over to the students to ask questions.  Jon answered questions about the use of steroids at the high school, college and professional levels, his grade point average, what do college coaches look for, how much he could bench press and about his team mates. 

Todd Mustard, strength coach from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center was instrumental in setting up the presentation.   Jon is involved in his community in a meaningful way and has a desire to serve and have a positive influence on those in his community.    Pictured; Jon Jansen, Washington Redskins lineman, addressing Petoskey High school students.

Press Release - January, 2006

“Walking for Exercise”

Petoskey, Michigan – Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is hosting a free clinic focusing on “Walking for Exercise” on January 12th at 10 am at the Student and Recreational Center at North Central Michigan College. 

 The clinic will focus on

• Making your walking program work for you,
• Understanding proper gait, posture, and body mechanics
• How walking can reduce health risk factors
• How to choose the proper shoes
• How to monitor and progress your program.

 Walking is a great low-impact exercise for developing and maintaining cardiovascular fitness. You can walk anywhere at any time and unlike some fitness regimens; your only expense is comfortable clothing and a good pair of shoes. 

 Jeff Samyn, PT, from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine of Petoskey will be presenting a talk on how to start a walking program, the health benefits and proper body mechanics.  The Outfitter will be on hand to answer questions on picking the right pair of shoes and Maggie Daniels, RN, Director of SCRC will give you all the tools you’ll need to progress your “Walking for Exercise” Program.

Press release November 05

Sports Medicine Center Award Continued Education Site

Petoskey, MI - The Michigan Athletic Trainers Society has chosen Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center as a continuing education site.
Sports Medicine Center hosted their first Credited seminar on November 12 at North Central Michigan College. The one day seminar titled “Plyometric Training – To Improve Athletic Performance & Prevent ACL Injury” featured Laura Ramis, Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer as the key note speaker.
Laura is the President of GIRLSCANJUMP Inc. and the Head Athletic Trainer for the Detroit Shock.
The seminar concentrated on anatomy & biomechanics needed for jumping, plyometric program design, and rehabilitation of an ACL injury. The seminar attracted over 50 participates, physical therapists and athletic trainers, from all over the state.
Participates earned 8 continuing education credits approved by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification.
The Michigan Athletic Trainer’s Society (MATS) is a non-profit organization, formulated to assist its members and to educate the public on the role of a certified athletic trainer within the health car profession.

Press Release January 2004

Self Help for Osteoporosis

Petoskey, MI – Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is introducing a self help exercise program called “WALK TALL” for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.  The program will begin on March 2, and will meet for 8 weeks on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm at Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center of Harbor Springs, 8438 M-119, in the Harbor Plaza.

Osteoporosis is sometimes called “the silent thief” because there are no symptoms. The bones—primarily the hip, spine and wrist become fragile and more susceptible to fracture. The goal in treating osteoporosis is to restore mobility, function, strength, and confidence, and to enhance the safety and security of your everyday life

The WALK TALL program will be instructed by physical therapist Ethel Larsen who specialized in women’s health issues.  The program will focus on how to improve good body mechanics to help prevent spinal compression fractures; balance to prevent falls, posture and strengthening exercises.  Many of these exercises are targeted to your everyday activities, (such as getting out of bed, loading the dishwasher, vacuuming).  Ethel will be presenting a seminar on osteoporosis at the Friendship Center in Petoskey at 12:15 on Wednesday, March 3, 2004.

 The class size is limited to 10 participants to insure personalized care. The 8 week program includes a self help manual and exercise equipment with a fee of $75.  To register call Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-347-9300.

Press release - May 3, 2005
National Trails Day

The Top of Michigan Trails Council will be conducting a bike ride/walk on the paved, non-motorized Little Traverse Wheelway from Charlevoix to Bay Harbor 's East Park along Lake Michigan on National Trails Day, June 4, 2005. Outdoor enthusiasts around the country will be participating in trail-related events on that day. The theme of Trails Day is always health-related, and this year it is " Take the Path to a Healthier You."

The event will be a fundraiser to assist in the development of trails in Northern Lower Michigan . Sponsors are the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Northern Michigan Sports Medicine, and the Northwest Design Group. Northern Michigan Sports Medicine, with offices in Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, provides rehabilitation for all types of injuries. Northwest Design Group from Petoskey is the firm that designed the section of the Little Traverse Wheelway being ridden/walked and is currently working with the Trails Council to develop a non-motorized trail from Boyne City to Charlevoix.

Participants may turn around at any point on the trail and do not need to ride/walk the entire 26-mile round trip. Suggested turn around points are the Adams Roadside Park-7 miles round trip; West Park -

16 miles round trip or East Park --26 miles round trip. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at each of these locations.

Sign-in, start and late registration are at the Charlevoix Township Hall at the corner of Waller and Old Orchard Roads. Start between 9 AM - 11 AM. Registration fee by May 27 is $10 each. After May 27, the fee is $15 each. There is no charge for children 12 and under. All those paying a registration fee will receive a t-shirt, snacks and be eligible for door prizes provided by Charlevoix area merchants.

The Top of Michigan Trails Council, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has as its mission to advocate and facilitate the development of safe, year 'round trails in Antrim, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle Counties. The Trails Council, as it is commonly known, is an all-volunteer non-profit organization with headquarters in Petoskey. Registration fees for this ride will go toward furthering its mission.

The Little Traverse Wheelway concept predates the Trails Council, with efforts to link Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs via a paved trail going back to the late 70s. Construction started with the portion of the trail through Bayfront Park in Petoskey in the late 80s. The only sections remaining to be built are a 1.4-mile stretch between Bay Harbor and Petoskey and a 3-mile section into Harbor Springs. Work to obtain easements for those sections is continuing; the easements are expected to be in place this year.

For information or registration, please go to www.trailscouncil.org or contact the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-951-2101.

Peak Performance - Summer Training for High School Athletes
June 17 - August 7, 2003
To view our flyer for this seminar, click here.
(This document is in PDF format. To get Acrobat Reader free, click here.)

Press Release - May 24, 2004

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center 's Athletic Trainer wins Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award

Petoskey , MI - Marge Taylor, Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer was presented at the Michigan Athletic Trainer Society conference with "The Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award." Marge was recognized for her dedication and service to the athletic training profession through out the state.

The Michigan Athletic Trainers' Society (MATS) is an organization comprised of certified athletic trainers (ATC's), non-certified student athletic trainers, and other health care professionals. They strive to improve the quality of heath care for the physically active individual through continued education and research in the area of injury prevention, treatment, management, and rehabilitation.

Athletic trainers are professionally equipped to work in hospital and clinical rehabilitation settings, high school athletic and educational settings, collegiate athletic and educational settings, professional athletic settings and industrial rehabilitation settings.

Marge holds two Bachelor of Science degrees. An Exercise and Sports Science degree from the University of Michigan and has been a Certified Athletic trainer since 1984 and a Physical Therapy degree from Oakland University awarded two year later. "My athletic training and physical therapy degrees combine for the best sports medicine approach." says Marge. She has also accepted the position to be the liaison between the Michigan Athletic Trainer Society and Department of Community Health. They will work together on a project to present Injury Prevention program to young athletes throughout the state of Michigan .

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center is located at 4048 Cedar Bluff Drive in the lower level of the Bay Street Orthopaedics building, off US 31 S and offers physical therapy and complete rehabilitation services.

Press Release - June 25, 2003

Rick Smith Announces Association with Body Balance for Performance

Rick Smith, founder of the Rick Smith Golf Academy, RSGA, and host of the Rick Smith Golf Show broadcast on The Golf Channel, is pleased to announce his association with Body Balance for Performance, a golf specific health and fitness training program. "It's extremely important to partner with the right people," Smith said. "This is a match that was made to happen."

"Rick's belief that the condition of a golfer's body is integral to his ability to improve his golf game fits perfectly with our belief that the body is a golfer's most important piece of equipment," said David Ostrow, president of Body Balance for Performance. "We are very excited to partner with someone of Rick's stature."

Smith, recognized as one of the top five teachers in the United States by Golf Digest, has already integrated Body Balance concepts into his "Golf Academy" show. "I believe so much that the condition of the body is important to be the best golfer you can be."

In addition to the RSGA's based in Naples, Florida, Verona, New York, and Gaylord,
Michigan, as well as the newly opened Rick Smith Golf Institute in Denver, Colorado,
Smith is in a partnership group that owns the famous Tree Top Resort in Gaylord, Michigan.

Body Balance for Performance will provide Pre-Round stretching for the upcoming Par Three Shoot out Pro-Am on June 30 and July 1.

Body Balance for Performance is a national franchise based in Exton, Pennsylvania. For more information on golf specific fitness, contact Body Balance for Performance in Petoskey, (231) 347-3695, or Gaylord, (989) 731-1777 or visit, www.fitgolf.com.

Press Release - June 18, 2003

Body Balance for Performance Teams Up with Detroit Newspapers'
Michigan Open Championship and Pro Am events

We are proud to announce that Body Balance for Performance will team up with the Michigan Section and perform Pre- & Post-Round Stretching for the Detroit Newspapers' Michigan Open Championship and Pro Am events. The Michigan Open events will be played at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan from June 21 through June 27. Body Balance for Performance is the newest official sponsor of the Michigan Section PGA.

A team of physical therapists from Body Balance for Performance will be available to all players to release muscle tightness and stretch golf-specific muscles that will benefit their golf game and help prevent injuries. The Body Balance tent will be on the driving range for convenience. For Pre-Round Stretching, the team will be available one hour before the first tee time and stay until the last paring group tees off, and will return to the range each evening for Post-Round Stretching.

In addition, Body Balance for Performance's Pre-Round Stretching tent will be available during other Section and Chapter Pro Ams. There are four Body Balance Centers in Michigan: Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Gaylord and Troy.

Press Release - March 27, 2003

Peak Performance Program:
Summer Training for High School Athletes

Are you looking for a way to stay active through the summer? Are you looking for a workout to be in condition for the fall sports season? Or are you looking for a program that will teach proper form and techniques to prevent an ACL or other injuries? This summer check out the only high school performance enhancement program in Northern Michigan.

The Peak Performance Program (PPP) is designed for the active individual interested in improving their competitive edge by gaining speed, agility, power, balance, and strength while learning techniques to reduce ACL and other sports related injuries. This program is instructed by Certified Athletic Trainers from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center which will begin with a pre-test and end with a post-test to show improvements. The program will include a warm-up and flexibility session, agility and speed drills, coordination and balance activities, core strengthening, plyometrics, and end with a cool down.

Peak Performance is open to any athlete or active individuals attending high school beginning fall of 2003. New this year, the program will be held in Petoskey at the Middle School gym and in Charlevoix at the High School gym. Both session begins June 17th and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday through August 7. Petoskey's program will be held from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., and Charlevoix's will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Peak Performance is an eight-week program with a fee of $80.00 includes a t-shirt, and payment is non-negotiable for individual session payments.

All registrations should be in by May 19th and the program is limited to first 50 applicants per site. Registration forms can be picked-up in the Athletic Office's of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix High Schools or can be downloaded at www.northernmichigansportsmed.com

For additional information contact Patty Schmoldt ATC or Joelle Beaudoin ATC @ 231-347-9300 or Julie Mihalic, ATC @ 231-348-7002 at Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center.

Press Release - March 3, 2003

"Back In Step After an Ankle Injury" - Free Sports Medicine Seminar

A series of Free Sports Medicine Seminars are planned to offer the public an opportunity to learn and discuss many common injuries. The experts in the field of joint injuries from Bay Street Orthopaedics and Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center will be presenting these seminars, which will focus on the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of specific injuries.

The seminar series started with, "Returning to Play after a Knee Injury", at Petoskey High School in October and was followed by "Back in Action after a Shoulder Injury" at Charlevoix High School in January. "I am so glad Sports Medicine is holding seminars of this nature. This is a most beneficial contribution to the community," responded an attendee who was planning to have surgery.

The third seminar, "Back in Step after an Ankle Injury", will be held at Harbor Springs High School in the computer lab on Tuesday, March 25th at 7 pm. If you are a coach, parent, athlete or have suffered pain from an ankle injury, this seminar is for you. The seminar will cover the treatment and rehabilitation options for a "sprained or unstable ankle" and how to prevent a reoccurring ankle injury.

Dr. Ronald Ronquist, Orthopedic surgeon, from Bay Street Orthopaedics will review the anatomy of the injured area, treatment options including conservative and surgical, and the details of a surgery to repair the sprained or instability of the ankle.
Physical Therapists, from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center of Harbor Springs will present what you can expect in physical therapy after a surgery. They will cover the protocol of conservative and non-conservative rehabilitation, the progression of exercises, and the length of time to return to normal physical activity.

Julie Mihalic, Certified Athletic Trainer from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center, will explain the initial on field assessment of ankle injuries, progression of returning the athlete to sport, and prevention of these injuries. Julie is also the athletic trainer at Harbor Springs High School and acts as the primary medical responder on the field for all home athletic events. She is responsible for injury assessment during the games, rehabilitation after an injury and returning athletes back to sport properly.

The public is welcomed to attend this free informative seminar at the Harbor Springs High School on March 25th at 7 pm. For further information about this seminar series, please contact Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-347-9300 or visit our web page at www.northernmichigansportsmed.com

Press Release - January 3, 2003

“Back in Action after a Shoulder Injury” - Free Sports Medicine Seminar
A series of Sports Medicine Seminars are planned to offer the public an opportunity to learn and discuss many common injuries with the experts in the field of joint injuries from Bay Street Orthopaedics and Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center. Each seminar will focus on the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of a specific injury.

The first seminar, Returning to Play after a Knee Injury, was held at Petoskey High School on October 24th. The presentation focused on the injury of a “meniscus tear”. Experts in each area of treatment, rehabilitation and prevention facilitated the seminar. “ I am so glad Sports Medicine is holding seminars of this nature. This is a most beneficial contribution to the community.” responded an attendee who was planning to have knee surgery in November.

The second seminar, Back in Action after a Shoulder Injury, will be held at Charlevoix High School in Room C101 on January 28th at 7 pm. If you have pain or an injury to the shoulder, a coach, parent or athlete, this seminar is for you. The seminar will cover the treatment and rehabilitation options for a “dislocated or unstable shoulder” and how to prevent a reoccurring shoulder injury.

Dr. Mark McMurray, Orthopedic surgeon, from Bay Street Orthopaedics will review the anatomy of the injured area, treatment options including conservative and surgical, and the details of a surgery to repair the dislocated or instability of the shoulder.

Physical Therapists, from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center will present what you can expect in physical therapy rehabilitation after a surgery. They will cover the protocol of conservative and non-conservative treatments and the progression of exercises, including the length of time to return to normal physical activity.

Joelle Beaudoin, Certified Athletic Trainer from Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center, will explain how to prevent a shoulder dislocation, presentation of injury, initial treatment and how to protect your shoulder from the injury reoccurring. Joelle is also the athletic trainer at Charlevoix High School and acts as the emergency medical specialist on the field for all home athletic events. She is responsible for injury assessment during the games.

The public is welcome to attend this free informative seminar at the Charlevoix High School on January 28th at 7 pm. For further information about this seminar, please contact Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center at 231-347-9300 or visit our web page at www.northernmichigansportsmed.com. Please call for additional information about the next seminar in March.