About Smash Factor

Dr. Mitch Dodson PT DPT, CSCS, Cert. DN, TPI Certified Level I

About

As golf-obsessed as you can be… I love this game as much as you do! I just so happen to possess the right skills and training needed to reduce your pain, improve your distance, consistency and keep you playing this wonderful game for life!

I’m a dedicated physical therapist and strength coach specializing in golf-related injuries and performance enhancement. I also enjoy working with 3D technology to help you understand the biomechanics of your swing. I am passionate about optimizing golfers' physical well-being to improve their game and overall quality of life. With years of experience in physical therapy, I have honed my skills in tailoring rehabilitation programs specifically for golfers. My expertise is in addressing common golf-related injuries, enhancing flexibility, improving strength, and fine-tuning biomechanics to optimize performance on the course.

My approach blends evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the biomechanics involved in golf swings. I focus on personalized assessment and treatment plans, integrating innovative techniques and technology to increase swing strength, expedite recovery, and prevent future injuries. I believe in fostering a collaborative relationship with my clients, empowering them with knowledge and exercises that support their journey toward peak performance and injury prevention. My goal is not only to rehabilitate but also to educate, ensuring golfers understand how to maintain optimal physical health for their game. I am committed to assisting golfers of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, in reaching their full potential by providing comprehensive physical therapy and fitness services designed specifically for the demands of the sport.

 Credentials

TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) is the world's leading educational organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing. TPI determined how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury. This relationship is what TPI calls The Body-Swing Connection and is the foundation of all professional Certification courses offered by TPI.

A Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified practitioner is an expert specialized in the biomechanics of the golf swing and the human body's role in optimizing golf performance. TPI certification signifies comprehensive training in assessing golfers' physical capabilities and limitations, enabling them to tailor fitness programs and corrective exercises specifically for golfers.

By leveraging TPI principles, certified practitioners work to improve a golfer's strength, flexibility, stability, and overall physical condition to optimize their swing mechanics, increase power, prevent injuries, and promote longevity in the sport. Their expertise lies in customizing training regimens that address individual golfer's needs, helping them achieve their performance goals and enjoy the game of golf at their best.

K Coach 3D Motion certification allows me to analyze you biomechanics, assess movement patterns, and provide feedback to golfers in 3D. Insights will be applied to improve performance and prevent injury. I have a specialty in using K-Vest's 3D motion analysis technology.

IAs a therapist and trainer, I utilize this advanced technology to gain deeper insights into my clients’ movements and optimize their training or rehabilitation programs.

A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a highly qualified professional in the field of strength training, conditioning, and athletic performance enhancement.

Being certified in dry needling from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) signifies that a practitioner has completed a rigorous training and education program in this technique consisting of hands-on and didactic training. Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat neural, muscular and connective tissues. Here’s what the certification entails:

  1. Training and Education: The certification process involves specialized training in dry needling techniques. This includes understanding muscle anatomy, trigger point theory, and the specific methods for inserting needles to address muscle pain and dysfunction.

  2. Hands-On Skills: Practitioners must demonstrate proficiency in the practical application of dry needling. This involves skillful insertion of needles into specific muscle areas to alleviate pain and improve function.

  3. Safety and Hygiene: The certification ensures that practitioners are knowledgeable about safety protocols, hygiene practices, and proper needle handling to minimize risks and ensure patient safety.

  4. Clinical Application: Certified individuals are trained to integrate dry needling into their broader treatment plans, considering patient history and other therapeutic modalities.

  5. Assessment and Evaluation: The certification process typically includes assessing a practitioner's ability to evaluate patient needs and respond appropriately with dry needling techniques.

  6. Professional Standards: Achieving certification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high professional standards and staying updated with the latest research and advancements in dry needling.

Overall, certification from the AAMT indicates a high level of expertise and competence in using dry needling as an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal issues.