Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy

Earlier in the day, before a monumental basketball game, Garett Hemingway, a shooting guard for Saints Peter & Paul High School in Easton, was working on his game in the gym and rolled his ankle. He was on the cusp of scoring his 1,000th point and had family coming in from out of town to cheer him on, hoping to witness his great accomplishment. But now, whether he would even be able to play was in question.

The school’s Athletic Director reached out to the head Athletic Trainer, Jeff Bonnette, and informed him of the incident.

“I got to the school early to assess the injury. Garett’s ankle was severely swollen; however, his strength was good and with some taping and bracing he was able to run, sprint, and jump with minimal discomfort,” Bonnette said. “Garett managed to play and achieved his goal in front of family and friends. He did get through with little trouble, but he knew he was going to need to properly rehabilitate his ankle to get back to his normal level, and possibly even better.”

Garett saw his doctor and the diagnosis of an ankle sprain was confirmed. He received a recommendation for physical therapy. Garett knew that Bonnette was also a PTA with Aquacare Physical Therapy, so he reached out to him to get started on his road to recovery. Bonnette has over 28 years of experience working with athletes of all ages.

“I had hurt my ankle a few other times that season, but this time was really bad,” Garett said.

Bonnette agreed the ankle would need work to recover properly.

“Foot and ankle injuries are common among athletes and for young athletes. It can be tempting to just rest it and then get back out there,” Bonnette said. “However, that can lead to an even worse injury, so it is best to go through a physical therapy program to completely rehabilitate and heal.”

Garett received a thorough evaluation by Maddi Asche, DPT. His treatment consisted of manual techniques and stretching to reduce tissue tension along with exercises for proper muscle activation to restore foot and ankle stability. As time went on, treatment was advanced to improve balance and proprioception and eventually plyometrics designed to simulate what Garett needs to do on the court.

“I wasn’t sure about physical therapy when I first started…I thought it was just for old people,” Garett said. “But I quickly saw the benefits of it because I was strengthening my hips to protect my ankle from future injuries. I have better balance and a stronger stance because of it.”

Garett admits he thought some of the work he did with Bonnette was a bit “crazy,” but as he played basketball in a travel league this summer, he could feel the difference in his game.

Garett is part of an elite travel basketball club, NXTPRO HOOPS, sponsored by Puma. He recently returned from the national championships in Nebraska.

As he enters his senior year, Garett is excited for his final school basketball season and looks forward to playing at the college level.

“I continue to do the exercises Jeff taught me and learned so much during my time at Aquacare,” Garett said. “I would definitely recommend it to my friends and teammates.”

Aquacare – Easton provides both aquatic and gym-based physical therapy in a supportive, comfortable atmosphere. The physical therapy teams work one-on-one with clients to rehabilitate them with programs in the office and at-home exercises.

Specialized programs include balance and vestibular therapies, lymphedema therapy, pelvic floor therapy, concussion management, orthopedic rehabilitation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs.

Bonnette has been with Aquacare since 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education specializing in Athletic Training. He has been certified through the National Athletic Trainers Association – Board of Certification (NATABOC) since 1996. In 1999, he completed his certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Mercer County Community College and is currently licensed in Maryland. He also owns Mid Shore Health and Fitness, LLC, which provides athletic training services and performance enhancement training.

Bonnette has been the Head Athletic Trainer with Saints Peter & Paul High School since 2005 and has also worked with Talbot County Public Schools, Chesapeake Community College, and once upon a time with Easton’s semi-pro football team.

He has been nationally certified as an Athletic Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine for over 13 years. He recently became certified in Functional Movement Techniques and Kinesio taping.

He has been recognized by The Star Democrat as a Best of the Best winner in 2023 and a nominee in 2024.

Aquacare – Easton is at 598 Cynwood Dr., Suite 101, Easton. To schedule your appointment or free consultation with Aquacare – Easton, call 410-770-9720 or go to www.aquacarephysicaltherapy.com.