One of the most important things for young athletes to learn is injury prevention. This is a task physical therapist Cheryl Langlais has taken to hand, as she invited a group of U15 lacrosse players to her office to teach them about stretches and strengthening exercises to prevent injuries.

Langlais, whose daughter was one of the lacrosse players, wanted the girls to learn more about their bodies and muscles to help keep them safe while they’re playing.

“I just want to take care of the girls,” she said. “I want them to be more knowledgable.”

She taught them specific exercises to help strengthen their upper back muscles to support all the throwing lacrosse players do, as well as how to stretch and loosen up some of the biggest muscles in their legs.

“I see a lot from the sidelines,” Langlais said. “And I also see what kind of stuff ends up at physical therapy…So I talked to their coach and we decided this was a good age to catch them and teach them anatomy and the right way to stretch.”

Langlais, who has spent about 25 years with Southcoast Health, opened her practice Seaside Physical Therapy, on Front Street in January. However, it’s not run like a typical physical therapy clinic. Instead of being paid through health insurances, Langlais’ business is more akin to a spa.

“Insurance doesn’t really cover prevention and maintenance,” she said. “And I realized people want the [scheduling] flexibility so I make myself available at more untraditional times.”

People don’t have to wait for a doctor to recommend physical therapy to get an appointment, anybody can make an appointment for any reason.

“I can see someone really quickly here,” Langlais said. “People don’t have to wait for doctors or insurance. It’s less of a wait for someone who might normally put off getting treatment, so people come earlier for their issues.”

She also said she likes to work with the aging population in Marion, many of whom can’t do other fitness classes in town.

“I like to give them a regimen for their ability,” Langlais said. “I teach them to manage their pain on their own and I give them exercises.”

For more information, visit seasidephysicaltherapy.com or call 774-377-9050.