Boost Your Confidence, Speed, Strength and Ability
Des Moines University Clinic offers comprehensive physical therapy and sports performance programs to help people of all ages and abilities optimize their performance, improve movement and reduce injury risk. Our providers work with everyone from wrestlers to ballerinas to master their craft and reach new heights in their athletic pursuits.
Athletic Training
Our athletic training services are dedicated to the assessment, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions for the physically active population. Athletic trainers at DMU Clinic are allied health care professionals recognized by the American Medical Association, Health Resources Services Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services.
While personal trainers help individuals achieve fitness goals and may hold various certifications, athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals with specialized education in preventing, diagnosing and treating sports injuries. All athletic trainers at DMU Clinic have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in athletic training, passed the board of certification exam, and are licensed to practice in Iowa. At DMU Clinic, we invest in our providers’ advanced training, development and certifications to ensure they have the latest knowledge and skills to support your athletic performance and health.
Schedule a free 15- to 20-minute injury screening with our certified athletic trainers. They’ll assess your condition and provide personalized recommendations to help you feel your best. Note: No treatment is performed during this screening.
We Offer Three Types of Athletic Training Services
Partner with us to provide comprehensive athletic training services for your team throughout the season, ensuring peak performance and injury prevention. Our athletic trainers offer dedicated support to teams such as the Oakleafs, Iowa Phoenix, Capitals, Iowa Demon Hawks and Waukee LAX, providing immediate care during practices and games. Our ATCs can travel with your team and oversee or assist your sports department, depending on your team’s needs.
Our services include injury prevention recommendations, such as taping and education, along with on and off field assessment, diagnosis and treatment of injuries, including first aid, musculoskeletal injuries, head or neck injuries, cardiac issues and emergency care. We also develop emergency action plans, manage concussion protocol and coordinate appropriate care by connecting athletes with physicians, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists and other specialists when additional support is needed.
Hosting a tournament, meet, race, or other event? Our expert staff will collaborate with your event planners to ensure all participants remain safe and supported throughout your event. Our athletic trainers are on the sidelines, ready to address any injuries or medical needs that may arise. They are on-site and visible participants, actively managing the injuries, safety, performance and overall health of athletes. Our team provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment of injuries including first aid, musculoskeletal injuries, head or neck injuries, cardiac issues, and emergency care. We also manage concussion protocols to ensure athletes receive the care they need.
For events with multiple fields or large groups, we station one to three athletic trainers in a central, visible location to provide on-the-spot care and medical attention.
Our athletic trainers are committed to helping you stay safe and perform at your best, whether competing in a high-stakes game or participating in a local event.
Contact us to request athletic training services.
Performance Training
At DMU Clinic, our performance training programs are designed to help athletes enhance their strength, power, speed, agility and overall performance. These classes focus on specific movements, skills and muscle groups essential for excelling in your sport.
Performance training sessions are led by our skilled athletic trainers or performance coaches, who are students with specialized certifications, such as certified strength and conditioning specialists. Whether you’re looking to improve your explosiveness on the field, refine your technique or increase your endurance, our performance training is tailored to meet your individual goals.
Our programs offer you the tools and guidance you need to take your athletic abilities to the next level, ensuring you’re prepared to compete at your best.
Why Choose Des Moines University Clinic?
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, youth athlete, professional athlete or looking to regain mobility and strength, our services cater to your needs. Our licensed and certified athletic trainers are passionate about enhancing your sports performance in stamina, range of motion, flexibility, speed and agility. We will optimize your performance, support efficient recovery and help you achieve peak physical condition. We’re also skilled in injury prevention, recovery and activity modifications and can handle any medical emergencies that may come up during play. Whatever your goals are, we are here to make them happen.
Our Facilities
Our West Des Moines clinic occupies 5,000 square feet within the RecPlex, featuring:
- A 2,000-square-foot gym space dedicated to physical therapy services.
- Community education and wellness programming.
- Comprehensive foot and ankle services from expert podiatrists.
- Group and individual sport-specific training.
- NormaTec compression therapy booth, ice and heat therapies, massage guns and rollers.
- Private and semi-private treatment rooms.
- State-of-the-art technology, including a high-speed treadmill and harness system, Biodex isokinetic testing, functional weight training and balance equipment.
Athletic and Performance Training Services We Provide
Call us at 515-271-1725 to schedule athletic and performance training services, or review our options online.
From prevention to post-operative management and return to play assessments, we provide individualized training and assessments to restore confidence and return athletes to their activities.
This augmented soft tissue massage restores movement and reduces pain following soft tissue injury/dysfunction.
Our experts use wearable technology and motion analysis to assess biomechanics, improve mechanics, decrease strain and enhance overall performance.
Physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves balance, keeping you active and well.
The Biodex Isokinetics System is an advanced technology designed for the precise testing and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. As the only clinic in the Des Moines metro area with this machine, we provide targeted, computer-controlled resistance to help patients safely regain strength and endurance in the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, forearm and wrist after injury or surgery. This system ensures controlled, specific exercises that enhance recovery and optimize performance.
Our team treats symptoms and pain associated with chronic conditions or injuries.
Our concussion management program includes baseline testing, community education and post-concussive assessments with custom treatment plans.
This treatment promotes blood flow to underlying tissues, addressing pain, muscle impairments and movement disabilities.
Whether it’s a sprain, fracture or chronic condition, our podiatrists provide foot and ankle care to help restore function and get you back on your feet.
Hands-on techniques improve mobility of soft tissues and joints, decrease pain and sensitivity and restore functional movement.
Our therapists have advanced training in treating urinary incontinence, retention, bladder pain along with fecal incontinence, constipation and encopresis, post-cancer care along with pelvic pain conditions for men, women and children.
Our expert therapists provide personalized care to enhance mobility, reduce pain and promote overall well-being throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Our therapists aid in recovery post-surgery to regain mobility, strength, balance and overall well-being.
Specialized treatment for dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance and other vestibular system disorders.
Join Us for Classes
Our small-group classes are designed to help you reach peak performance, whether on a pickleball court, baseball diamond or in your garden.
- Fitness programs for all ages, including seniors.
- Injury prevention strategies including ACL prevention and performance enhancement.
- Marathon preparation.
- Run Strong distance training program.
- Skills development for sports like baseball, soccer and wrestling.
- Speed and acceleration training.
- Strength and movement improvement for dancing, acrobatics and gymnastics.
Expert Physical Therapy for Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
If you’re recovering from an injury or need rehabilitation support, our physical therapy services provide expert care tailored to your needs. Learn more about our physical therapy offerings to help you get back on track.
Enjoy Your Best Game
No referral is needed for our sports performance services. To make an appointment or learn more about our classes and services, call 515-271-1725 or use our athletic training services request form.