By: Tom Leyden

High School fall sports are officially back, and unfortunately, that means some athletes will soon be dealing with the aches, pains and injuries that come with jumping back into full-speed practices.
In this edition of The Rehab Report, Tom Leyden sits down with Dave Fleischman of APR Physical Therapy to talk about some of the most common early-season injuries he sees, including shin splints, ankle sprains and other nagging issues that can derail an athlete’s season.
Dave explains why conditioning BEFORE the season matters, what actually causes shin splints, and why athletes shouldn’t wait for a small problem to become a bigger one.
Plus, Dave demonstrates some of the recovery tools athletes can use, including percussion massage devices, vibration therapy and vibrating foam rollers.
🏃 Why shin splints develop
🏈 The danger of ramping up activity too quickly
⚽ What athletes should do when pain begins
🏑 When it’s time to see a physical therapist
💪 Recovery tools that can help athletes stay on the field
The biggest takeaway? Don’t wait. If something doesn’t feel right, addressing it early can make the difference between a minor interruption and an injury that lingers for weeks.
Dave Fleischman and the team at APR Physical Therapy have locations in Westwood and Foxborough.
Subscribe to Westwood Living for more Rehab Reports, local sports coverage, health and wellness advice, community stories and conversations with the people who make our community special.
Learn more about APR Physical Therapy by visiting www.aprpt.com
The Rehab Report with Dave Fleischman
August 25, 2026 – Fall Sports Are Back: How to Prevent Shin Splints & Early-Season Injuries
August 11, 2026 – Fall Sports Are Back: How Young Athletes Can Get Their Bodies Ready for the Season
July 24, 2026- LeBron Sticks with The Sixers
July 14, 2026- Acute IT Band Strain with Laser Treatment
July 7 2026- The Benefits of Membership
June 30, 2026- Tennis Elbow and World Cup Excitement
June 23, 2026- The Giannis Trade and World Cup Injuries
June 2, 2026- Roman Anthony’s Finger Injury
May 19, 2026- Piriformis Syndrome
May 12, 2026- Garrett Crochet’s Shoulder Injury
May 5, 2026- Jayson Tatum… What Could Have Happened
April 28, 2026- Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury (Impact of Bone Bruise)
April 22, 2026- Dave Merson on Balance & Symmetry
April 14, 2026- Oblique Injuries
April 7, 2026- The Luka Doncic Hamstring Injury
March 31, 2026- What Exactly Is Achilles Tendinitis?
March 24, 2026- Quick Ankle Rehab to Return in a Week
March 17, 2026- Injuries You Might Suffer Chasing a Leprechaun
March 10, 2026- Previewing Hockey Title Games and Preparing for the Spring Sports Season
March 4, 2026- Helping Female Athletes Protect Their ACLs
February 25, 2026- Lindsey Vonn & Compartment Syndrome
February 16, 2026- Dave Merson – Working with Olympic Figure Skaters
February 3, 2026- Drake Maye’s Shoulder Rehab
January 20- The Bo Nix Injury
January 13- Patriots/Texans Preview, Achilles Talk
January 6- Gearing Up for Wild Card Weekend
December 30 – Most Rewarding Case of 2025
December 23 – Naughty and Nice
December 16 – ACL Injuries and Recoveries
December 11 – The Toughness of Quarterbacks
December 4 – Bye Week Priorities & QBs Playing Through Pain
November 25 – Will Campbell’s Knee Injury
November 11 – Warming Up in Cold Conditions
November 4 – Dislocated Elbow
October 30 – Groin Injuries
October 22- Broken Clavicle
October 14- When Injury Strikes Midseason
September 30- Tyreek Hill Leg Inury
September 23 – Turf Toe
2023-24 Season
January 21 – End of Season Realities
January 21 – Hip Injuries
January 14 – Knee Sprain/Strain
January 8 – Advising Eager Clients When They Want to Return To Action
December 31 – The Value of Rest
December 23 – Major Knee & Shoulder Injuries, The Dangers of Specialization
December 18 – How It Works: Low Level Laser Treatment
December 3 – PCL Injuries
November 26 – Thanksgiving Injury Prevention
November 19 – Broken Clavicle
November 12 – Wrist
November 5 – Shoulder
October 29 – Groin
October 22 – Achilles, Hamstring, Ankle Dislocation
October 15 – Fractured Tibia and Fibula
October 8- Eversion Ankle Sprain
October 2- ACL Recovery, Hip Pointers and Shoulder Injuries
September 24 – High Ankle Sprain vs. Low Ankle Sprain
September 17 – Torn Pectoral Muscle/Concussion/Fibula Fracture
September 10 – Achilles/Calf
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