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Golf Community Comes to Frisco to Talk About Inclusion

Golf Community Comes to Frisco to Talk About Inclusion

by | Nov 1, 2019 | Therapy Services

Korban and Jordan are golfers thanks to programs designed to introduce and teach children with different abilities. Director of Therapeutic Recreation Dana Dempsey, M.S., CTRS, has organized Learn to Golf for our patients for more than twenty years. Through this program, patients like Jordan and Korban are given the tools and encouragement that allow them to play golf with their abilities, not in spite of their disabilities. More importantly, through golf, they both express they have learned some priceless life lessons.

Korban, 16 of Southlake, TX, was first introduced to golf by his dad, an avid golfer. “I started going to the driving range with my dad,” he said. After Learn to Golf, Korban was motivated to continue the sport. His dad, Roger described, “Because of golf, he started getting the confidence to try other sports.” Korban now plays corner on the football team and runs the 100 meter for the track team at Southlake Carroll High School. “Golf taught me work ethic and responsibility. Work hard, if you love doing it, keep doing it and try to be at a higher level.” Korban wowed the attendees with his swing and says he can hit the ball more than 200 yards using his custom, extended club.

Jordan, 15 of Henderson, TX, laughed a little as she tried to remember the first time she played. She said golf has given her the opportunity to enjoy time with other kids and make new friends. She said, “It helps me figure out more things that I can do that maybe I thought I couldn’t do.” Her mom, Lisa, shared how the environment has been unlike school, where Jordan feels included and she is picked to be on a team because of her abilities. Turns out, everyone wants Jordan on their team because she has some solid putting skills!

Johnny Knight, PGA Professional, and owner of Kingdom Golf, was present when Jordan first attended a Learn to Golf clinic in 2016. He noticed how much her personality has blossomed. He shared how using a ParaGolfer chair gave her an opportunity to evolve her swing from a two-handed to a single-handed swing. The attendees talked about changing the model for teaching golf to children with different abilities. 

This initiative of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf brought together a passionate group of individuals to evaluate the current model of youth golf programs and discuss the future of an inclusive golf community. Gianna Rojas, founder of Adaptive Golfers and known as the “One Handed Lady Golfer,” contributed her personal experience as a world ranked golfer with a disability. PGA executives in attendance expressed how this project aligns perfectly with current initiatives in their organization and how excited they were to participate and contribute.

The team committed to these next steps:

  • Incorporate kids with disabilities in PGA Jr League future content.
  • Identify NTPGA and PGA Jr. League captains who will welcome kids with disabilities.
  • Coach Jr. Golf League team for players with different abilities
  • Discuss making the 10-hole short course at PGA Frisco ADA accessible.
  • Develop a video project that includes instructions, promotion and success stories to increase visibility of children with disabilities playing golf.
  • PGA Jr. League will start to measure children with disabilities being served.
  • Increase advocacy and visibility for children with disabilities to play golf.
  • Provide more instructor training sessions geared to increasing their knowledge and skills for working with differently abled children to play golf.

We look forward to watching their progress and sharing it with you. Learn more about the programs mentioned above at these links:

Golf Tips From Our Golf Expert

Golf Tips From Our Golf Expert

by | Sep 3, 2019 | Sports Medicine

Scottish Rite for Children sports physical therapist Daniel Stokes, P.T., CSCS, SCCC, tells us that golfers don’t realize that their performance and injury prevention are tied together. After years of working with athletes and completing the medical certification program at Titleist Performance Institute, he is eager to help young golfers improve their game and stay injury free. Here are some tips to help you understand the connection.

Why do injuries occur in golf?
Most injuries in golf are caused by tightness or a lack of mobility in a joint. The hip and thoracic spine are key areas of limitations for golfers.

How can golf injuries be prevented?
It’s important to get a good assessment of the golfer to identify specific areas of opportunity on an individual basis. The good news is, the exercises that make a swing better will also reduce the risk of injury. Therefore, performing a golf-specific warm-up program can help prevent injuries and improve performance.

What is the most common cause of golf-related injuries?
The sport of golf is inherently repetitive. Research has shown that repetitive motions can lead to overuse injuries in the lower back, upper back, shoulder and hip.

We are excited to roll out a new program, Warm Up the RITE Way for young golfers. Check out these resources:

  • Download a PDF with photos and instructions.
  • Check out our videos that explain each exercise.
  • Request copies of the handout for your team, club or golf pro.
Get to Know our SRH Staff: Daniel Stokes, Physical Therapy

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Daniel Stokes, Physical Therapy

by | Jul 2, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis? 
I am a sports physical therapist. I assess, examine, plan and treat athletes. Most of my time is used looking at movement proficiency to make sure an athlete is moving well. I will typically differentiate movement into two categories: dysfunctional/functional and painful/non-painful patterns. I will then breakout these movement patterns to find the cause of the issue that the athlete is dealing with. This allows me to focus on the cause, and not just the symptoms.
 
Because of my interest in golf, I have completed special training with Titleist Performance Institute. With a TPI Medical Certification, I have enhanced my expertise as a physical therapist with a solid understanding of the mechanics of a golf swing. I also enjoy evaluating and working with baseball players.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
I have worked at the hospital for two years. Prior to physical therapy school, I worked in sports performance as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. I knew I wanted to work with athletes and the values of the hospital really aligned with mine. Another physical therapist, Lorenzo Vite, brought me on and shared that the sports medicine team was expanding with the addition of the Frisco location. Having the opportunity to be mentored by Lorenzo, plus the opportunity to put patients first, has been incredibly fulfilling.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
Pediatric sports physical therapy is rewarding and fun. Being able to work with athletes, no matter their background, is truly a special opportunity. I have the chance to influence young athletes and, in some cases, I will spend up to 24 weeks with them while in rehabilitation. Over time, we develop trust and a strong relationship. The best part of my job is when a patient states that he or she feels better and stronger than before their injury. That means I did my job. I want them to return to their sport with confidence. To sum it up, being able to impact the life of an athlete, long past their injury, is what I enjoy most about working for the hospital.
What was your first job? What path did you take to become a PT?
After receiving my degree in kinesiology from West Texas A&M University (go Buffs!), my first job was an internship in strength and conditioning at Texas Christian University. This led to a graduate assistant position in strength and conditioning for two years at the University of Texas at Arlington. There, I trained athletes in men’s golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track & field, softball and baseball. I also received my master’s degree in exercise physiology. 

From there, I worked at an elite training facility in North Texas working with youth, college and professional athletes, as well as some Olympic athletes and teams. At this facility, I met Lorenzo Vite, who is currently our senior physical therapist at Scottish Rite for Children. He made a huge impact in my decision to change careers and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy and I am grateful for his influence.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Lots of family time with my wife of nine years, Bethany, and our two little girls, Lucy and Stella. We have two dogs, Bear and Reagan. We are very involved with Citizens Church and when time allows, I enjoy playing golf and cooking out with the neighbors.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I love my job. I would still choose to work in the golf industry, working on golf performance, biomechanics and injury prevention.

Where is your favorite golf course? Where do you want to play some day?
My favorite golf course right now is The Outlaw golf course in New Mexico. I spend most of my time playing at Westridge Golf Course in McKinney, Texas. Dream course would be at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

Are you a golfer? Learn more from Daniel on how to warm up the RITE way.