How Ethan Made it Back to Baseball- An OPTI Comeback Story
“I really enjoyed working and getting to know Sara. She helped me learn new ways to throw and how to listen to my body more.” Ethan McCormick
Being sidelined from an injury is so difficult. Ethan McCormick knows this feeling all too well. The 9th grader from Bennington High School suffered an injury in the spring of 2017 that kept him from the game he loves…Baseball. Fortunately, Ethan performed his rehabilitation at Omaha Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI) and was able to see OPTI’s physical therapist (and former Division I softball standout), Sara Loeffelholz Palinski. Sara knows the game of baseball and is able to implement technical and tactical elements of the game into her rehab programs with baseball and softball athletes. Sara’s own personal experience with the game along with her knowledge in biomechanics and physiology allowed Ethan to have top quality baseball-specific physical therapy. “It was so great to have the chance to work with Ethan. He is a hard worker and was dedicated to getting back to baseball in a smart and gradual manner. It’s great to have him back on the field!” Ethan is now back competing at a high level, playing for Ultimate Baseball Academy this fall and hoping to make his high school team this spring! Check out Ethan’s Comeback Story below!
What did you injure and how did it happen?
I suffered a stress fracture in my right elbow. I hurt myself when I was warming up for my second inning of pitching in the spring. During my warm up pitch, I heard my elbow pop. After that, I was not able to move my arm from the elbow down.
What was the most challenging aspect to your recovery?
The most challenging part of my recovery was not being able to play baseball the rest of the spring season.
What did you learn from your experience in physical therapy?
From my experience in physical therapy, I learned to not throw so hard from the beginning, but gradually work into it. I also learned to give my body rest when it needs it and to not push too hard.
What did you enjoy most about being a patient at Omaha Physical Therapy Institute?
I really enjoyed working with and getting to know Sara. She helped me learn new ways to throw and how to listen to my body more.
What advice would you give to someone that is injured?
The advice I would give someone is to take it slow and be very, very patient. Getting better is definitely not something that happens overnight.
What are some accomplishments you have made since your injury?
Since my injury I was able to play baseball again in the fall and I hit my first in the park homerun!! I was also able to pitch again for the first time since my injury.
Congratulations Ethan on a successful rehab! You were fun to have as a patient at OPTI!
Omaha Physical Therapy Institute provides the area with the best Baseball and Softball specific rehabilitation services! OPTI has a main clinic on 144th & Dodge and the Athlete’s In Motion Clinic (A.I.M.) on 147th & Giles inside of the Omaha Sports Complex. The A.I.M. Clinic allows for use of field turf, pitching nets, and batting cages! We provide FREE injury screenings for baseball or softball players in the Omaha area! Call today!