Highbar Physical therapy & Health blog
Presented by Highbar Physical Therapy | Written by Molly Douglass PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Clinical Specialist
Behind the Scenes of RIFC’s Physical Readiness
The roar of the crowd, the rhythm of cleats on the pitch, and the intense focus of every player—it’s match day for Rhode Island FC. But what most fans don’t see is the critical work happening behind the scenes to keep players healthy, strong, and ready to compete.
Hi, I’m Molly, the team’s physical therapist through Highbar Physical Therapy. My job starts long before kickoff—whether it’s preventing injuries,guiding players through recovery, or optimizing performance, my focus is making sure every RIFC player is physically prepared to play at their best.
In this first edition of our Highbar Sideline Stories series, I’m excited to take you inside my world and show how Highbar is elevating the game for RIFC.
Meet Molly: A Passion for Keeping Athletes in the Game
I’ve been a soccer fan and player for as long as I can remember. I know firsthand how frustrating injuries can be, and that’s what led me to pursue my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Ithaca College. For the past 14 years, I’ve been practicing in Rhode Island, and my journey led me to Highbar Physical Therapy, where I’ve had the privilege of treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. But working with athletes—especially a professional soccer team like RIFC—has truly been a dream come true.
At Highbar, our mission is simple: helping people feel better, move freely, and live fully. Whether I’m rehabbing a player after an injury or fine-tuning their recovery strategy, my goal is to keep RIFC performing at their peak every match.
A Team Approach to Performance & Recovery
One of the things I love most about working with RIFC is our team-first approach. I collaborate weekly with Langston, the team’s Athletic Trainer, andMatt, the Director of Sports Performance. Together, we create tailored training and recovery plans, monitor player workloads, and flag any potential injury risks before they become problems.
For example, when a player is coming back from an injury, we take a phased approach—starting with controlled rehab exercises, progressing to individual on-field training, then easing back into full team participation.This careful process ensures players return to the pitch safely and confidently.
What Game Day Looks Like for Me
Game day starts long before kickoff. I arrive early to the training room,working one-on-one with players to optimize mobility, provide manual therapy,and fine-tune last-minute prep so they feel their best on the field.
During the match, I’m on the sidelines with Langston, closely monitoring players’ movement, watching for potential injuries, and stepping in when needed.
Once the final whistle blows, recovery begins immediately. From ice baths to stretching and personalized treatment plans, our focus quickly shifts to ensuring players are ready for the next match.
Recovery: The Secret Weapon for Peak Performance
Many fans think of physical therapy as something athletes do after an injury. But in reality, recovery is a key part of performance. If a player’s body isn’t recovering properly, they won’t perform at their best. That’s why we take a proactive approach—monitoring workload, focusing on recovery techniques,and ensuring players are optimizing their movement both on and off the field.
“Molly from Highbar Physical Therapy helped me through everything as well [while recovering from injury last season]. She listened to what my body needed and made sure we worked through where we were at, every step of the way. Everyone around me made sure I stayed focused towards getting back to full health and switched on.” – JJ Williams
Pro Tips for Every Soccer Player (Yes,You!)
You don’t have to be a pro to benefit from these simple injury-prevention strategies:
- Warm up properly – Use dynamic movements like high knees and leg swings before every session.
- Prioritize recovery – Cool down, stretch, and hydrate to keep your body ready for action.
- Strength training matters – Build muscle to protect your joints and prevent common injuries.
- Listen to your body – If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Rest or seek physical therapy early.
Highbar: Supporting Athletes at Every Level
Beyond my work with RIFC, Highbar is here for all athletes—whether you’re a weekend warrior, a youth soccer player, or just trying to stay active. Our expert physical therapists are dedicated to helping you move better, recover faster, and perform at your best.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, we’re here to help.
- Visit us at one of our Highbar clinic locations in RI and MA
- Follow RIFC’s journey all season long
- Stay tuned for the next Highbar Sideline Stories feature!
Request an Appointment at Highbar Physical Therapy
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