One year ago, Rachel Nally graduated from Wilmington High School and was heading to Bryant University in Smithfield, RI to pursue a degree in Health Sciences. She also was joining the award-winning Bryant University Cheerleading team!
Before she left for school, Rachel had been getting PT at Fitzgerald for over a year. Now with a year of college cheering under her belt, and a major surgery, she’s back to PT!
The Bryant cheerleading team came in third in the D1A Game Day division at NCA Daytona nationals and Rachel was named female club sport rookie of the year. Let’s find out how she’s doing now…..
Q: What was it like to physically get prepared for Cheerleading in college?
A: To physically prepare for cheerleading at the college level it was important to keep my body in the best shape I could and continue to fuel it properly in order to perform at my highest potential.
Q: How do you feel physically after your first year of cheering for Bryant?
A: I entered my rookie season knowing I had a labral tear in my hip. With support of my surgeon, I was able to establish myself on the team throughout my first year. That being said, my body was not feeling great but I had a great season and the extra physical therapy hours were very worth it.
Q: What were some of the highlights you experienced cheering as well as some of the low points?
Some of the highlights I experienced while cheering at Bryant were cheering at football and basketball games and representing our school at NCA Daytona Nationals. Where we came in third in the D1A Game Day division! Some low points would be pushing through the mental and physical struggles that come with being an athlete.
Q: How long have you been going to PT and how has it helped?
A: Physical Therapy has helped me come back from every injury I have encountered. I have been in and out of PT for about 5 years. Fitzgerald PT was great. They have helped greatly with my sprained ankle and torn hip prior to my surgery and going to school.
Q: Who is your PT and how long have you been working with them?
A: My physical therapists at Fitzgerald have been Nick and Alicia. I have been going to them for about 2 years.
Q: What advice would you give to other aspiring college athletes?
A: My advice to aspiring athletes would be to always believe in yourself and know how good you are. When you believe in yourself and perform like you are the best athlete ever, it will show and others will believe it too. I would also tell them to work through the obstacles when times get hard. No sport will be easy at all times, and the hard work and perseverance will make you a better person. I know it’s hard but the outcome will be worth it. Always remember that everyone gets injured and taking care of your body to be able to train is important for you and your team. Another piece of advice that I would like young athletes to know is not to wait to get PT until you are injured. If you feel the injury, go to physical therapy!
Rachel and her mom Christine
Q: What do you like the most about PT?
A: What I like most about physical therapy is the family dynamic. The therapists truly care about me and want to see me back on that mat doing what I love most. You feel cared for when you’re in the office. They know about what is going on in my life outside from the injuries, listen to my stories and chat with me while they help me get back to my sport. Oh, and my mother still works at the front desk at the Fitz PT clinic in Melrose- and loves it!