Full hour, 1-on-1, every time
No techs. No aides. No rotating between three other patients. Just you and a Doctor of Physical Therapy who played professional hockey and understands the sport.
In-person hockey rehab
Hockey rehab that actually works.
Most hockey players rehab wrong, and pay for it all season. 1-on-1 recovery built specifically for hockey players. Return to the ice faster, stronger, and more confident than before your injury.
Dr. Jamie Phillips, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS. Former professional goaltender. Southside Ice Arena, Byron Center, MI. By appointment only.
By appointment only
Request an appointment
Tell us what is going on and we will call you to set up your first visit. Prefer to talk now? Call (616) 600-0614.
Why your current rehab isn't working
You're doing what you were told
- Rest and ice
- Generic stretches from a printout
- "Take a few weeks off and see how it feels"
But you're still dealing with:
- Lingering pain that won't go away
- Fear of re-injury every time you push hard
- Loss of confidence in your movement
- Watching the season pass you by while you "rest"
The real issue
You don't need more rest. You need rehab that actually works.
Traditional physical therapy doesn't account for skating mechanics, being a goalie, rapid direction changes, or the rotational forces hockey puts on your body. You need a plan built for how hockey players move, from a PT who actually played at the top level.
Hockey-specific recovery that actually works
Why it works
Root cause, not just symptoms
We don't just treat your groin strain. We figure out why it happened (hip mobility, skating mechanics, strength imbalances) and fix the actual problem.
Game-ready, not just pain-free
Getting rid of pain is the baseline. We rebuild your movement patterns, strength, and on-ice confidence so you come back better than before.
Your recovery process
From evaluation to back on the ice
Full evaluation (60 minutes)
We identify the root cause, not just where it hurts. Movement assessment, strength testing, and skating mechanics analysis. You leave with a clear diagnosis and timeline.
Structured recovery plan
Progressive rehab designed around your position, your season schedule, and your specific injury. Every session builds toward a clear return-to-play standard.
Hockey-specific reconditioning
Skating-specific exercises, rotational power work, and movement quality under fatigue. We don't clear you until you're actually ready for game speed.
Back on the ice
Confident and stronger, with a plan to lower your risk of re-injury. Many plans run 6 to 10 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the injury.
Common hockey injuries we specialize in
If it's keeping you off the ice, we can help
Or if it's making you hesitate in games.
Hip and groin strains
Sports hernias and core injuries
Ankle sprains and chronic instability
Shoulder injuries (labral tears, AC joint, rotator cuff)
Lower back pain and disc issues
Overuse injuries (hip flexor tendinitis, adductor strains)
Concussions and vestibular issues
No insurance = better recovery
No insurance. Better recovery.
Cash-based care means
- A full hour (or longer), 1-on-1, every single visit
- Treatment decisions based on what works, not what's covered
- Faster recovery, because we're not incentivized to drag it out
- Complete cost transparency, with no surprise bills ever
Insurance-based PT limits your care
- 15-minute sessions split between multiple patients
- Restrictions on treatment methods that actually work
- Delayed approvals that drag out your recovery
- Surprise bills months after you're done
What the research says
Earlier, focused PT works
60%
Lower back-pain-related costs when physical therapy starts early
Childs JD et al. BMC Health Services Research, 2015. Patients with low back pain. 28%
Lower likelihood of advanced imaging when patients see a PT first
Frogner BK et al. Health Services Research, 2018. Patients with low back pain. 89%
Lower likelihood of an opioid prescription when patients see a PT first
Frogner BK et al. Health Services Research, 2018. Patients with low back pain. More
Extra physical therapy time improves function and quality of life
Peiris CL et al. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2011. Systematic review.Every visit is 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, so no session is spent waiting or doing work you could do at home.
What's included in your sessions
Advanced treatment that works
- Dry needling (neurofunctional approach, the only practitioner in West Michigan using this technique)
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization
- Cupping for fascial release and circulation
- Movement retraining and motor control work
- Hockey-specific strength and power development
Between sessions
- 24-hour response time for questions
- Programming adjustments as you progress
- Clear benchmarks so you always know where you stand
Is this right for you?
Who this is for
This is for hockey players who
- Are currently injured and want a real recovery plan, not vague timelines
- Are tired of being told to "just rest" without fixing the actual problem
- Want to come back stronger and more durable, not just "good enough"
- Are willing to invest in proper care instead of dragging out cheap options
This is not for
- Players who need someone to hold them accountable to show up (this requires self-discipline)
- Acute injuries in the first week that would benefit from manual therapy. It's better to go to an insurance-based clinic for basic rehab.
- People looking for a quick fix without putting in consistent effort
Investment in your recovery
Pricing
Every visit is 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. HSA/FSA accepted.
Initial evaluation
Start here $275
60-minute comprehensive assessment. Your first visit.
- Movement assessment
- Strength and force plate testing
- Skating mechanics analysis (if needed)
- Clear diagnosis and timeline
- Structured recovery plan
- Begin initial treatment
Follow-up session
$250
60 minutes of hands-on treatment.
- Progressive rehab exercises
- Manual therapy and joint work
- Dry needling (as needed)
- Cupping (as needed)
- Red light therapy
- Home program updates
- Return-to-play progression
- App-based exercise program (no more printouts)
Recovery session
$150
45-minute specialized recovery treatment. Ideal for maintenance.
- Dry needling
- Cupping
- Massage
- Movement restoration
- Structured in-season recovery plan
- Quick tune-ups
- Post-game, practice, and workout recovery
- Faster sleep after games
Unlimited recovery
New $750
/ month
Monthly membership. Recover as often as you need.
- Unlimited 30-minute sessions
- Dry needling
- Cupping
- Massage
- Red light therapy
- Movement restoration
- Structured in-season recovery plan
- Quick tune-ups
- Post-game, practice, and workout recovery
- Faster sleep after games
How treatment packages work
A realistic plan, up front
Many hockey injuries need about 6 to 10 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks. Every injury is different. After your evaluation, we'll discuss a realistic timeline and total investment based on your specific injury and goals.
Example recovery packages
- Groin strain (moderate): 6-8 sessions = $1,775-$2,275 total
- Shoulder impingement: 8-10 sessions = $2,275-$2,775 total
- ACL post-op rehab: 12-16 sessions = $3,275-$4,275 total
Payment plans available
HSA/FSA accepted
Superbills for insurance reimbursement
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Jamie Phillips
Former professional goaltender
About Dr. Jamie Phillips
Former pro goaltender turned Doctor of Physical Therapy
I've been where you are. I know what it's like to be injured, frustrated, and wondering if you'll ever feel confident in your movement again.
That's why I built Ghost Athletica: to give hockey players the same level of rehab and training that NHL athletes get.
No cutting corners. No generic protocols. Just focused, intelligent rehab that understands the sport.
Credentials
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Master of Exercise Physiology
- Former professional goaltender
- Certified in dry needling (neurofunctional approach)
Don't let your injury keep you off the ice
Every week you wait is another week of
The longer you put it off, the more it costs you.
01
Compensating with bad movement patterns that create new problems
02
Losing strength, conditioning, and edge work quality
03
Missing critical development opportunities
04
Risking a worse injury because you're not moving correctly
What happens next
Get a clear diagnosis. Get a real plan. Get back on the ice.
Request an appointment
Fill out the short form or call (616) 600-0614. We call you within one business day to set up your visit.
Your evaluation
We conduct a full 60-minute, 1-on-1 evaluation.
Your plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, recovery timeline, and structured plan.
No commitment
No commitment required beyond the evaluation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I book an appointment? +
We see patients by appointment only. Fill out the short request form on this page or call (616) 600-0614 (calls only, no texts) and we will set up a time that works around your practices and games. Most first visits are scheduled within a few days.
How long does recovery typically take? +
Many hockey players see real progress in 6 to 10 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks. Every injury is different, and complex injuries can take longer. We give you a specific timeline after your evaluation.
Do you take insurance? +
No. We're cash-based so we can provide better care without restrictions. Our patients do have insurance, and we provide a superbill you can submit for potential reimbursement.
What's included in the $275 evaluation? +
A full 60 minutes, 1-on-1: comprehensive movement assessment, strength testing, diagnosis, and a structured recovery plan with a clear timeline and benchmarks.
Can I still train while rehabbing? +
Usually, yes. We modify your training so you maintain fitness and skills without aggravating the injury. Most players continue off-ice training throughout recovery.
What if my injury is more serious than I thought? +
If imaging or a specialist referral is needed, we'll tell you immediately and help coordinate it. We don't waste your time or money on things we can't help with.
How far do people travel to see you? +
We regularly work with players from across West Michigan and beyond. Many drive 60-90 minutes because focused, expert care is worth it. We've had athletes travel over 4 hours for visits.
Start today
Rehab that actually works
Get a clear diagnosis. Get a real plan. Get back on the ice.
