Elite Therapy Center has a fantastic team of physical therapists who specialize in sports wellness, strengthening and injuries

Our team consists of highly trained doctorates of physical therapy, physical therapy and physical therapy assistants ready to work with ALL ages of pediatric range (birth-21). We are excited to partner with your school or sports team to offer free physical therapy screens. Our therapists work with clients and their families to assess areas athletes may be susceptible and prone to injury. Elite Therapy Center also provides customized exercise plans to assist with injury prevention.

Sarah Calaway, DPT, provides PT for children, teens, athletes, and young adults up to 21 years of age.

Our Elite Therapy Center PT program emphasizes wellness, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries with special understanding of the unique needs of school aged athletes as well as children with disabilities. Please contact us if you child is in need of strengthening and wellness therapy. We work to make sure they can carry on strong in their scholastic and extra curricular sports achievements!

Our sports injury prevention screening is performed by a certified and licensed physical therapist. An important step in improving athletic performance is to avoid injury. It is imperative for athletes to be able to participate consistently in their practice and training regimens, as well as their game and/or event. Many athletes begin their season and/or training program with an undetected biomechanical imbalance that could predispose them to both minor and/or serious injuries.

Our team offers a FREE 15-minute screen to identify any potential injuries or muscle imbalances to improve function and prevent injury. Upon completion, we can determine if your child has any movement patterns or outstanding weakness causing muscular imbalance which may contribute to future injury or improper musculoskeletal development.

Download our program flier

>> SCHEDULE SCREENING

DPT and Ortho Specialist, Shae Phillips

Shae Phillips, DPT and Ortho Specialist

Shae Phillips is a talented member of our physical therapy team and has a strong orthopedics and manual background. Earning her Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Hardin Simmons University in 2011 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hardin Simmons University in 2013, she is dedicated to assisting in early detection of motor development problems and identifying concerns with movement, posture, strength, developmental delays, body position, and functional independence in children birth to 21 with any degree of impairment.

Shae treats in our Waco clinic location.

DPT and Ortho Specialist, Roxy Hunter

Roxy Hunter, DPT

Roxy Hunter, DPT, earned her Bachelors in Physics from Baylor University in 2011, her degree in Physical Therapy Assistance from San Jacinto College in 2015, and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in 2022. Her areas of interest include Pediatrics, Neurology, Education, Orthopedics, and Sports Physical Therapy. Roxy lives in Gatesville with her husband, Aaron, and two children.

Roxy treats in our local Gatesville and Waco clinic locations.

Consent to Treat Request Care

COACHES & TRAINERS

FREE SCREENINGS can be provided in groups during scheduled classes or workouts. Screenings identify and eliminate risk factors for youth sports injuries.

Onsite therapeutic care allows athletes to not miss class and eliminates transportation issues for caregivers
If an athlete qualifies, they can receive therapy immediately for 10 days (Direct Access Care) after screening without a referral
Evaluations will yield a customized plan for sports/ortho rehab and determine how many visits are recommended
Any and all fees can be paid directly online

PROGRAM BILLING OPTIONS

Screenings are offered at NO COST
If an athlete qualifies, a referral and evaluation will be required with a doctor’s signature
ALL administrative work is provided FOR YOU by Elite Therapy Center
Elite Therapy Center Accepts: Private Insurance, Medicaid, and Private Pay options

PT & ORTHO Program Q&A

>> Does your athlete complain of shoulder pain after baseball practice or games?

They might have limited rotation in the middle of their back (the thoracic spine) that is causing increased strain on the shoulders. Addressing mobility in the whole mechanical chain is important to avoid overuse injury.

>> Does your child tell you their back is sore when they come home from school?

Check the fit and weight of their backpack. It should rest along their low back and be no more than 10% of their body weight. If pain continues, have your child’s core and posture evaluated to prevent future injury.

>> Does your child stand with slumped shoulders?

This can contribute to increased back pain as they grow and affect the balance of their muscles during activity. Postural deficits need to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure growth with good mechanical alignment.

>> Does your athlete get shin splints at the start of every season?

Shin splints are usually caused from a muscle imbalance between the lower legs and the hips. Strengthening both of these areas can help maintain the health and safety of their lower body.

>> Does your child complain of knee pain after walking a moderate distance and/or when going up stairs?

Knee pain in children (especially in girls who have recently entered puberty) is often due to a combination weakness of the quadricep muscle in the front of the leg and poor movement patterns of the hips. Addressing these movement mechanics will not only decrease your child’s pain, but will help them have improved joint health as they continue to grow.

>> What does your child’s sitting posture look like?

Having poor posture is a concern for children as they grow. Posture is important for maintaining good muscle balance, maintaining focus at school, and ensuring proper breathing mechanics. Addressing your child’s postural weaknesses will help them grow in strength and improve their movement patterns.

>> Does your child breathe through their mouth?

Mouth breathing is associated with decreased lung efficiency and can affect your child’s posture over time. Learning to breathe correctly will improve the strength of muscles, improve their posture, help them have more oxygenated blood and allow them to focus better/have more energy.

>> Does your athlete walk on their toes?

Excessive toe walking can affect the growth and development of the lower leg. It is important to improve their walking mechanics and strengthen their legs so that they improve safety in their bones, joints, and muscles as they grow.

>> Does your child have a history of frequent concussions?

Multiple concussions are linked to having decreased coordination and balance. Improving these 2 things will help them have better participation in school and in their favorite sport.

>> Does your athlete roll their ankles often?

Having weak ankles puts your child at increased risk for ankle injury. Muscle deficits and imbalances will need to be addressed to improve their safety during running and jumping.

>> Does your soccer player experience leg pain?

The hamstring is often associated with leg pain. Tightness and/or weakness in this area can lead to injury over time. Addressing the hamstring and surrounding muscles will improve your child’s ability to run, jump and squat safely.