BRINGING SCIENCE TO TREATMENT
Tracy is a senior physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal and sports injuries within a private hospital in Aberdeen. She is a certified Pilates Instructor and also a pilates course tutor for the APPI.
She previously worked with high level athletes for Scottish Hockey and within rugby, rowing, and triathlon. Tracy blogs about pilates, fitness and rehab on her website and creates videos for YouTube.
Outside of work she is a competitive ice skater, runner and can be found anywhere outdoors with her pug!
in Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat
The balance of the articular and muscular systems within the foot and ankle complex is crucial for optimal loading to withstand sporting demands. Tracy Ward explains the architecture, biomechanics, and clinical application to build the foundation from the foot up. The foot and ankle complex controls balance and posture and counteracts gravitational forces. The body’s... MORE
in Improve, Power development, Strength
Female athletes use resistance training to enhance their strength and performance. The pelvic floor is perhaps the only region where physical exertion may create a negative effect. Tracy Ward examines the issue to determine if females are at risk of causing or worsening pelvic floor problems with weighttraining. Females have unique anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology... MORE
in Female Athletes, Improve, Strength
Female athletes with persistent musculoskeletal pain may suffer from joint hypermobility syndrome. Though often overlooked, it is associated with an increase in injuries and can significantly affect athletic abilities. Tracy Wardprovides an overview of the condition, its implications, and specific treatment strategies to enhance performance. Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHMS) is a connective tissue disorder that... MORE
Clinical pathways and protocols often dictate exercise prescription based on the diagnosis. However, as Tracy Ward explains, understanding muscle structure, function, metabolism, and movement allow for innovative program design tailored to each athlete. Diagnosis-based protocols focus on the specific injury. For example, hamstring injuries are treated with Nordic exercises, adductor strains with the Copenhagen protocol, Achilles... MORE
Bio-banding and altering training parameters play a role in preventing injury in very young athletes. Tracy Ward explains the developmental basis for these strategies and how to incorporate them into your youth training and rehab programs. Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay Three processes characterize youth development from birth to adulthood(1): Growth refers to the changes in body composition,... MORE
in Improve, Neck and back injuries
Lots of factors may contribute to back pain in runners. Tracy Ward explores the causes of nagging non-specific low back pain and outlines a rehabilitation program to get runners back on track. Running is one of the most popular sporting activities worldwide. Still, it carries a high injury risk in both amateur and professional athletes,... MORE
The dramatic increase in technical difficulties in ice skating requires vigorous training. Tracy Ward explores the causes of low back pain in figure skaters and provides treatment and prevention strategies. The various forms of figure skating, singles, pairs, dance, and synchronized, all have technically challenging elements that require strength, flexibility, artistic flare, and grace. It... MORE
in Anatomy, Core injuries, Diagnose & Treat
Tracy Ward considers the biomechanical and physical aspects of rowing and their contribution to upper extremity injuries and explores injury prevention strategies, including targeted strength and conditioning. Rowing is a repetitive, weight-supported sport where the high training volumes are similar to cycling, kayaking, and swimming(1). Despite being non-contact and low-impact, rowers are still subject to... MORE
in Core injuries, Improve, Prevent
Tracy Ward explains why even elite athletes can suffer from diastasis recti during the postpartum period, and how clinicians can comprehensively assess and treat this condition. Female athletes often experience the peak of their physical performance and their optimal fertile age simultaneously. Many female athletes continue to train during pregnancy and the postpartum period –... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Leg injuries
Tracy Ward presents a criteria-based rehabilitation plan for returning to sport post-adductor injury and how this protocol can reduce days lost to injury. Athletes forced into isolation and withdrawn from contact exposure due to COVID-19 face an uphill challenge to return to professional levels of play and competition. With soccer as one of the first... MORE
