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How to Treat Tennis Elbow (and What Tennis Elbow Actually Is)
If you’ve been noticing sharp or aching pain on the outside of your elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, carrying, or even opening a jar. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with Tennis Elbow , also known as lateral epicondylitis . Despite the name, you don’t need to play tennis to get it. Most cases occur in people who don’t play racquet sports at all . The good news: It is very treatable , and most people recover fully with the right rehab plan. At Rival Physical The
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Nov 25, 20254 min read


How to Fix IT Band Syndrome and Keep It from Coming Back
If you’ve ever felt a sharp, nagging pain on the outside of your knee while running or cycling, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) . It’s one of the most common overuse injuries in endurance athletes especially runners, cyclists, and triathletes . The good news? With the right approach, most cases of IT band pain can be managed and fixed without injections or surgery , using smart training, mobility, and strengthening strategies. The eve
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Nov 16, 20254 min read


The Rival Off-Season Athlete Blueprint: How to Train Smarter This Winter
As the season winds down and the weather cools off, most athletes face the same question “What should I be doing right now?” The answer: this is your opportunity season . The off-season isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing smarter . It’s the time to fix weaknesses, rebuild strength, and set the foundation for your best performance yet. That’s why we created the Rival Off-Season Athlete Blueprint , a free guide to help you structure your training, prevent injury, and set y
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Nov 6, 20253 min read


🗽 NYC Marathon Race Guide 2025
Presented by Rival Physical Therapy Conquer all 26.2 miles with a plan. 🏃♂️ Course Overview The TCS New York City Marathon takes you through all five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan before finishing in iconic Central Park . Use this guide to plan your pacing, fueling, and race-day logistics like a pro. 🗺️ Course Breakdown + Elevation Map The NYC Marathon is known for its rolling bridges and electric crowds. Here’s what to expect: Mile 1
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Why You’re Still Getting Re-Injured (and How to Finally Fix It)
You’ve been through physical therapy. You did your exercises. You felt great… for a while. But then it happened again. The same pain, the same injury, the same frustration. So why does this keep happening? At Rival Physical Therapy , we see this all the time. Athletes who complete a traditional rehab program but never truly finish their recovery. Here’s the truth: most people stop rehab once the pain goes away, but before their body is ready to perform. 1️⃣ Pain-Free Doesn’t
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 22, 20252 min read


Why Your Run, Triathlon, or Strength Coach Should Be a Physical Therapist
Dr. Mike at the Lavallette Sprint Triathlon 2024 As a physical therapist, maintaining an active lifestyle is at the forefront of why I do what I do. I practice what I preach. I do what YOU do, which means I have an understanding of exactly what I’m prescribing to you and I know exactly what you’re feeling. When you’re searching for a run coach, triathlon coach, or strength coach , you’re not just looking for someone to hand you a workout plan. You’re putting your training, h
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 20, 20254 min read


What is the Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Bergen County?
If you’re searching for “the best physical therapy clinic in Bergen County,” let us give you a clear, confident answer: Rival Physical Therapy . Why do we say that? Because we don’t just treat pain, we develop resilience, restore performance, and partner with you 1-on-1 to meet your athletic goals. Below are the top reasons athletes and active individuals consistently choose Rival PT in Bergen County and beyond. (And yes — we’ve got real client voices backing this up.) 10 Re
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 18, 20253 min read


10 Reasons to Choose Rival Physical Therapy for Your Physical Therapy Needs
When it comes to recovering from injury, preventing setbacks, and optimizing performance, not all physical therapy clinics are the same. At Rival Physical Therapy , our mission is simple: deliver elite-level, 1-on-1 care that gets athletes and active adults back to doing what they love stronger, faster, and smarter than before. Whether you’re a competitive triathlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who just wants to move pain-free again, here are the top 10 reasons why Rival
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 16, 20253 min read


How to FIX Your Back Pain: Why Athletes Need A Different Approach
Scroll to the Bottom of the Page to download the “Fix yourself” PDF If you’re an active adult, runner, or even a D1 athlete who’s been sidelined by back pain, you’ve probably heard all the same: “Just rest,” “don’t lift heavy,” “you need surgery,” or “your MRI says… therefore you can never ______ again” At Rival Physical Therapy , we hear this story all the time and we want you to know that back pain doesn’t mean your athletic career or active lifestyle is over. In fact, most
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 15, 20254 min read


Shin Splints: Why They Happen, How to Prevent them and When to Watch for Red Flags
If you’ve ever trained for a race, started running again after time off, or jumped into a new workout routine (including getting back...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 8, 20254 min read


How to Self-Diagnose and FIX your Knee Pain
Follow the link at the bottom for the PDF how to fix your knee pain! Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among athletes,...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Oct 1, 20253 min read


How to Get Started in Triathlon Without Breaking the Bank (or Your Body)
Dr. Mike at the 2025 NJ State Triathlon Triathlon has a reputation for being an expensive and intimidating sport. Expensive bikes,...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Sep 29, 20254 min read


Why Choosing an Out-of-Network Sports Physical Therapist May Save You Money (and Take Your Performance to the Next Level)
When most people think about getting physical therapy, they immediately wonder: Is this covered by my insurance? It’s a fair question,...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Sep 26, 20255 min read


Why Having a Return-to-Running Plan is the Key to Staying Injury-Free
Detailed Run Analysis Performed During an Initial Assessment for a Marathon Runner If you’re a runner, there’s nothing more frustrating...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Sep 24, 20254 min read


Why Tendon Injuries Take So Long to Heal (and What Actually Works in Rehab)
If you’ve ever dealt with a tendon injury, maybe Achilles pain while running, patellar tendon pain from jumping, or even elbow pain from...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Sep 18, 20253 min read


Optimize Your Performance with Rival Physical Therapy Services
Are you looking to enhance your athletic performance and optimize your physical therapy experience? Look no further than Rival Physical...
Dr. Michael Blanco PT, DPT
Sep 26, 20241 min read
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