Services
Casting/Bracing/Orthotics
Our athletic trainers/physician extenders provide proper fitting of over the counter (OTC) bracing, custom bracing, custom thermoplastic protective pads and splints, sport specific casting and modification of OTC orthotics.
Digital X-Ray
Idaho Sports Medicine Institute has state of the art digital radiographic equipment on site. If you have x-rays from another physician please bring them to your scheduled appointment. When needed, patients are able to obtain CD copies of their x-rays.
VO2 Max and Lactate Threshold Testing
VO2 max, or maximal aerobic capacity, measures your body’s ability to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. This test is considered to be the best measurement of your cardiorespiratory fitness. The test involves measuring inspired and expired levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide while exercising on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. The test progresses from easy warm up stages up to a maximal effort. Your score represents the maximum amount of oxygen you utilize. The higher your score, the higher your fitness level.
The Lactate Threshold (LT) test measures lactic acid (or lactate) levels in the blood in response to increasing exercise intensity. Blood lactate levels reflect the balance of lactate production versus clearance of lactate. At low to moderate-intensity, lactate levels will increase slightly above resting values, but will remain constant as long as the exercise intensity remains constant. In other words, production rates are matched by clearance rates. As exercise intensity continues to increase, eventually a point is reached where clearance rates can no longer keep up with the production. The maximum intensity at which lactate remains steady is termed the Lactate Threshold (also called Maximal Lactate Steady State, MLSS, or Onset Blood Lactate Accumulation, OBLA).
The data from the VO2 max test and the LT test can help an athlete develop a training program that is specific to their abilities and goals. The training zones that are delineated from the data include recovery day efforts, base aerobic training zones (slow base and fast base zones), zones to improve LT, and zones to improve VO2 max. With this information, the athlete can train smarter and be more productive.
Exercise Prescription
Although it is generally accepted that exercise is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle, many people do not know where to start. The first step should be a physical and medical check up. For people over 40 years of age, or those with heart disease risk factors (positive family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and low fitness levels), this check up may include an exercise stress test. Based on the results of this check up, we can prescribe an exercise program to safely meet your specific needs and goals. The exercise prescription will address the major components of a fitness program: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility.
SPORTSMETRICSTM
We at ISMI believe that a major part of preventing athletic injuries is being well conditioned and being able to perform the correct basic skills in all sport situations. You don’t play sports to get fit, you get fit to play sports. Because we are driven by this principle, the Idaho Sports Medicine Institute is a Certified Clinical Site for the Sportsmetrics ™ Program.
SportsmetricsTM is a 6-week program that is designed to help athletes refine neuromuscular control of the lower limbs. Research conducted by the Cincinnati Sports Medicine Research and Education Foundation has proven that females who participate in this jumping program are less likely to suffer from a serious knee injury.This program is not just for females! Male athletes will also benefit from improving overall leg strength and perfecting jumping and landing mechanics.
ISMI has a SportsmetricsTM program for post-operative conditions, and a SportsmetricsTM program geared toward injury prevention and athletic performance. Through these specialized programs, athletes learn proper technique for jumping and landing safely, increase overall leg strength, and improve symmetry in right-to-left leg power.
ASTYM™
ISMI currently has four certified practitioners of ASTYM™ (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization). The ASTYM™ system is advanced soft tissue therapy that treats a wide variety of soft tissue disorders such as tendonitis, epicondylitis and faciitis. The treatments are performed in conjunction with active stretching and strengthening, and are demonstrating remarkable results in a variety of patient populations.
Bike Fit
Jay Armstrong, MPT, is trained in the science of fitting a bicycle to the rider. He can help address specific pain or problems related to bike fit issues, as well as making sure your bike fits you and your riding style.
Running Analysis
Utilizing video assessment and physical assessment, Korene Mayo, ATC, can look at your running style, gait pattern, and musculoskeletal balance. She can help you avoid or recover from injuries, and advise you about correct flexibility, strength training and running technique.
