My name is Evan Langley, and as a doctor at Conquer Movement, I specialize in helping Wilmington athletes and active individuals like yourself elevate their performance and refine their technique. Whether you're looking to rehab an injury, make a triumphant return to your sport, or simply optimize your recovery, I'm here to guide you. My perspective isn't just clinical; it's deeply rooted in personal experience. Before becoming a physical therapist, I proudly played collegiate lacrosse at Wingate University.

As a competitive athlete, the transition out of organized sports hit harder than I initially anticipated. The abrupt end to my senior lacrosse season in 2020 due to COVID-19 initially focused my energy on academics and my future physical therapy program. However, in the background, subtle but significant shifts were occurring. Looking back, I now recognize the vital elements I began to lose once the structured world of college athletics faded away: consistent weightlifting and resistance training, the intrinsic motivation and external discipline that came with team commitments, and the dietary habits ingrained by rigorous training demands.

One of the first and often most overlooked changes is the subtle creep of weight gain. The sheer volume of activity in college sports creates a metabolic demand that’s difficult to replicate in everyday life. Without the intense training sessions, even maintaining the same dietary patterns can lead to weight gain. It’s not necessarily a dramatic shift in eating habits, but rather a mismatch between caloric intake and expenditure.

The next two consequences – a decline in motivation/discipline and the absence of structured, safe training – often go hand in hand. The team atmosphere cultivates a powerful sense of accountability and shared purpose. Knowing your teammates are pushing their limits alongside you provides a constant source of motivation. Similarly, the guidance of strength and conditioning coaches or sports coaches ensures not only effective programming but also a watchful eye on proper form, minimizing the risk of injury. Losing this framework can significantly diminish the drive to train consistently and safely. Without precise programming tailored to your needs and without expert supervision, the likelihood of improper technique and subsequent injuries increases considerably.

The encouraging news is that these post-collegiate athletic challenges are not insurmountable, especially in a vibrant and active community like Wilmington. The key lies in a two-pronged approach: rediscovering the type of training you genuinely enjoy and finding the fitness environment that best suits your preferences and needs.

For those who thrive in a team-oriented setting and appreciate the energy of group workouts, Wilmington boasts a fantastic array of options. I've personally had the opportunity to train at and collaborate with the exceptional coaches at places like F45, Orange Theory, Emotion Fitness & Studio, and TruFIT, among others. Each of these gyms offers a unique signature style, and exploring them can help you find a perfect fit that reignites that sense of camaraderie and shared effort you might be missing. The structured classes and motivating instructors can provide the external discipline and accountability that were inherent in your collegiate athletic experience.

If your preference leans towards a more individualized approach and you possess a strong intrinsic drive, Wilmington still offers numerous excellent gyms. A few examples, but not all are TruFIT, Fit4life, Crunch Fitness and Planet Fitness. These provide the space and equipment for you to pursue your fitness goals on your own terms. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to tailor your workouts precisely to your liking.

However, regardless of your chosen training style or gym environment, there might be underlying issues hindering your progress or causing discomfort. If you're experiencing persistent aches and pains, dealing with on-and-off injuries, or feel like your movement mechanics aren't quite right, seeking the expertise of a performance physical therapist is a crucial step.

At Conquer Movement, we go beyond simply treating symptoms. We take a comprehensive approach to identify the root causes of your pain or limitations. As performance physical therapists, we are equipped to:

• Alleviate Pain: Through targeted manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities, we can help you find relief from acute or chronic pain.
• Correct Incomplete Mechanics: Years of intense training can sometimes lead to compensatory movement patterns. We meticulously analyze your movement to identify and correct any inefficient or potentially harmful mechanics, whether it's during weightlifting, running, or sport-specific activities. This not only reduces the risk of future injury but also enhances your overall efficiency and performance.
• Optimize Recovery: We understand the demands placed on active individuals and athletes. We can develop personalized recovery strategies incorporating techniques like manual therapy, cupping, dry needling, and guidance on sleep, nutrition, and active recovery to help your body adapt and rebuild effectively.
• Facilitate Return to Activity: Whether you're aiming to get back on the field, return to your favorite group fitness classes, or simply feel more confident in the gym, we'll work with you to create a progressive and safe return-to-activity plan. This includes tailored exercises and guidance on managing your workload to prevent re-injury.

My own journey out of college athletics has given me a deep understanding of the physical and mental adjustments required. I know firsthand the challenges of maintaining fitness, motivation, and a healthy lifestyle without the structured environment of competitive sports. That's why my approach at Conquer Movement is not just about treating injuries; it's about empowering you to rediscover your athletic potential and build a sustainable, active lifestyle here in Wilmington.

So, if you're a former college athlete or an active individual in Wilmington looking to enhance your performance, overcome pain, or simply find a renewed sense of athletic purpose, I encourage you to take that first step. Explore the diverse fitness options our city has to offer. And if you feel like you need expert guidance to optimize your movement and recovery, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to reignite your athletic fire and help you move with confidence and strength for years to come.

Set up a call with us now to get the journey started with a discovery call!

Also Read:

How We Blend Physical Therapy and Strength Training.

Hydrate to Dominate: Why Hydration is Essential for Peak Performance

Inflammation-Fighting Foods for Athletes: Fuel Recovery, Reduce Pain, and Perform Better

Dr. Evan Langley DPT, PT, CSCS

Performance Physical Therapist

Conquer Movement - Wilmington, NC