Empower Sports Chiropractic

Abbey Cleary

Physical Therapist - Crabapple

Dr. Abbey Cleary is a dedicated and experienced physical therapist with over 15 years of expertise in the field. Her passion is for helping individuals achieve their optimal physical health and well-being in order to allow them to lead an active lifestyle. Her goal is to empower her patients with the tools and knowledge they need to improve their mobility, strength, performance and overall quality of life. She routinely uses dry needling techniques because of the extensive benefits supported by research.Dr. Cleary graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S.ed in exercise science and then continued her journey in physical therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She has continuously expanded her knowledge through professional development and hands-on experience including the manual therapy certification at St. Augustine, dry needling courses through IADN and AAMT, Graston, Stott Pilates and McKenzie. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in physical therapy to deliver effective and efficient treatment outcomes.Outside of her professional life, Dr. Cleary is married to John, and together they have three wonderful boys: Connor, Nathaniel, and Tyler. She enjoys quality time with her family, anything fitness and outdoors, exploring new destinations, experimenting in the kitchen, and diving into a good book.

Jared Croskey

Chiropractor - Forsyth/Crabapple

Dr. Jared Croskey graduated from Life University’s Doctor of Chiropractic program in 2021 with Summa Cum Laude honors.Before starting his career in chiropractic, Dr. Croskey’s focus was sports medicine with an emphasis in football and baseball. Dr. Croskey graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in both Athletic Training and Exercise Science in 2018. While studying at UGA, Dr. Croskey had the opportunity to work with Georgia’s football, softball, and women’s tennis teams as a student athletic trainer. Dr. Croskey has also worked the sports medicine staffs of the Atlanta Falcons and Gwinnet Stripers.During the 2021-2022 NFL season, Dr. Croskey assisted the Falcons sports medicine staff with chiropractic care. Now, Dr. Croskey is the team chiropractor for Georgia Tech Football where he works with the team year-round, while traveling with them during the season.His unique experience with these high level collegiate and professional organizations has given him a skill set to help treat a variety of injuries.Dr. Croskey is classified as a sports chiropractor. This distinction does not mean he treats only athletes, rather, Dr. Croskey uses a variety of methods to treat injuries.Furthermore, he continued his studies with becoming a Graston Technique Specialist (GTS) and an Active Release Technique (ART) provider.When not in the office, Dr. Croskey enjoys spending time with his wife, Abbey, and pets, Ares and Lena. They enjoy spending time with family and taking advantage of quiet nights by reading murder/mystery novels.

Sofia McGrath

Physical Therapist - Forsyth

Dr. Sofia McGrath earned her Bachelors in Science in Exercise Science at the University of Georgia in 2018. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mercer University in 2021. During her studies, Sofia focused on pain neuroscience education, movement assessments, injury prevention, and manual therapy techniques. She spent 2.5 years working in outpatient orthopedics in Gwinnett. Sofia has advanced training and certifications in dry needling, vestibular therapy, pelvic health therapy, lumbar management, and blood flow restriction training.Sofia and her college sweetheart, Shane, got married at the end of 2021. This year, Sofia and Shane moved from Atlanta to Cumming and welcomed their first baby boy, named Liam. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, playing beach volleyball, and cheering on the Dawgs!

Nicholas Shashy

Massage Therapist - Forsyth

After earning his Bachelors degree in Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia, Nicholas found that his desire to positively affect the human body continued to grow. Soon after graduating, he became certified as a Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) where he then taught a wide variety of Strength, Endurance and Agility based classes and also worked one on one with high-school and middle school athletes.Although he loved training and helping people with their fitness goals, he realized that he still had a strong desire to affect the body to a greater degree. This is when he decided to go back to school and become a Licensed Massage Therapist where he studied at Georgia Massage School, an award-winning, nationally recognized school. Nicholas' main style of massage is Sports Massage, where he incorporates many Swedish massage and relaxation techniques. He favors using moderate to deep pressure to give his clients a highly therapeutic, yet deeply relaxing experience.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, provide a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for various musculoskeletal issues. Adjustments are primarily performed using the chiropractor's hands or specialized instrument to a specific spinal joint. This controlled force is aimed at normalizing spinal motion which can have a number of profoundly positive benefits.Chiropractic adjustments have many benefits. The first noticable benefit is an increase in joint range of motion. With better joint range of motion, we see reduced muscle tension and proper joint lubrication. Another benefit of adjustments is decreased nervous system tone. Restoration of proper spinal range of motion creates space for the nerves to communicate more effectively. The last direct affect of a adjustment is seen with enhanced blood flow throughout the body. With improved blood flow, inflammation is decreased due to new blood with the necessary nutrients reaching areas previously unattainable.Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be effective for most back, neck, shoulder, and hip injuries. These injuries tend to be exacerbated from poor posture, previous injury, or everyday stress.The goal of chiropractic adjustments at Empower Sports Chiropractic is to enhance body movement, provide a stable foundation on which to build strength and promote long-term health.

Dry Needling

Dry needling, performed by our skilled physical therapists, offers a range of benefits, particularly in managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.This technique involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into myofascial trigger points (hyperirritable spots in the muscle), neural, muscular and connective tissues. While the needle is inserted, the physical therapist may rotate or piston the needle and/or combine e-stim to relax the targeted muscle.The primary benefit of dry needling is pain relief. By targeting these trigger points, dry needling can disrupt pain patterns, improve blood flow, and promote healing. This leads to reduced muscle tension and improved range of motion.From a neurological perspective, dry needling impacts the nervous system by altering the way pain signals are transmitted to the brain. Our physical therapists work to tone down the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system, while encouraging parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system activity. The insertion of needles can stimulate sensory nerves, causing the release of neurochemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, which are natural pain relievers. This neurochemical release helps modulate pain and promotes a sense of well-being. Furthermore, dry needling can reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, decreasing the hypersensitivity often seen in chronic pain conditions. This normalization of nerve activity can help break the cycle of pain and muscle spasm, providing longer-term relief.Overall, dry needling is a valuable tool in the hands of a physical therapist, offering both immediate and lasting benefits for patients with various pain syndromes.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage aims to relieve chronic pain and muscle tension by targeting deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.This technique involves slow, firm pressure and deep strokes to release tissue adhesions, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation.Benefits include improved mobility, reduced muscle stiffness, and alleviation of chronic pain conditions like sciatica or fibromyalgia. Deep tissue massage can also assist with recovery from injuries and promote improved postural. By releasing muscle knots and improving circulation, deep tissue massage promotes overall physical relaxation and stress relief.Regular sessions have shown to enhance flexibility, support recovery, and contribute to better long-term musculoskeletal health.

Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART) is the gold standard in soft tissue treatment. Utilizing ART's three steps of care, we are able to diagnose, treat, and provide relief to injured tissue.ART is a manual therapy that targets soft tissues to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Practitioners use their hands to apply precise pressure and movements to release scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. By doing so, ART helps restore normal function and range of motion. The technique involves identifying the affected area, applying specific tension, and having the patient move through a range of motions to release the tissue.Benefits include reduced pain, improved flexibility, enhanced athletic performance, and faster recovery from injuries. ART is commonly used for conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strains.

Graston Technique

Graston Technique is the most respected name in the field of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy (IASTM). Graston incorporates the use of stainless-steel instruments to aid in the detection and treatment of soft-tissue dysfunction.The instruments are used to comb over and "catch" fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, treatment begins to address the region.The conditions that respond most effectively to Graston Technique include Achilles tendinitis/osis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), cervical/lumbar sprain/strain, fibromyalgia, tennis/golfer’s elbow, patellofemoral disorders, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendinitis/osis, shin splints, trigger finger, scar healing.Immediate increases in range of motion and decreases in pain will be felt following treatment. With adherence to exercise recommendations, the benefits gained from Graston will be long lasting. Graston is one of the most effective soft tissue therapies aimed at restoring normal function and boosting performance.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient technique that has been used for many years.This technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain. Our therapists use plastic cups to create suction on the desired treatment area. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, stimulating circulation and helping to remove toxins. Cupping can be applied in a static, dynamic or gliding manner to the treatment area.Static cupping involves no movement form the patient. Dynamic cupping involves movement from the patient with the cups applied. Gliding cupping is when the patient does not move, but the cups are moving in a scanning manner.Benefits include reduced muscle tension, improved blood flow, enhanced immune response, and relief from chronic pain and respiratory issues. It is commonly used for conditions like back pain, arthritis, and overuse injuries.

Corrective Exercise

Corrective exercises are targeted movements designed to address muscle imbalances, improve posture, and enhance functional movement. They focus on identifying and correcting faulty movement patterns that may lead to pain or injury.Through our movement assessment, we determine any deficits in range of motion, strength, or flexibility. With this information, we develop a personalized exercise plan. These exercises often include stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and enhancing coordination and balance.Benefits of corrective exercises include reduced risk of injury, improved joint stability, better posture, enhanced athletic performance, and alleviation of chronic pain. They are used to assist our patients in creating health longevity.

Chiropractic

Forsyth LocationMonday: 8AM-6PM
Wednesday: 8AM-6PM
Friday: 8AM-11AM
Saturday: 8AM-1PMCrabapple LocationTuesday: 1PM-4:30PM
Thursday: 8AM-11AM
Friday: 1PM-4:30PM

Physical Therapy

Forsyth LocationContact to BookCrabapple LocationContact to Book[email protected]

Massage Therapy

Forsyth Location OnlyWednesday: 10AM-6PM
Saturday: 8AM-1PM