Sara Mikulsky

As temperatures drop, many people notice their bodies feel stiffer, tighter, and a little more reluctant to move. Cold weather can make muscles and joints feel less flexible, which may increase the risk of strains, aches, and injuries—especially if you stay less active during the winter months. From a physical therapy perspective, winter is the perfect time to be intentional about mobility and movement. Why Do We Feel Stiffer in Cold Weather? Cold temperatures can cause: Redu

Valentine’s Day tends to come with two things: a lot of sugar and a lot of pressure to “be good” or “be bad” with food. From a physical therapy and overall wellness standpoint, we like to take a different approach—enjoy the treats you love while supporting your body’s recovery, energy, and health. Good news: you don’t have to skip dessert to take care of yourself (or your Valentine). Why Treats Matter for Recovery (Yes, Really) Food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of recovery. Bala

Ski racing is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. It’s explosive, technical, and unforgiving—combining high speeds, powerful turns, uneven terrain, and massive forces through the lower body. Whether you’re a junior racer, a collegiate athlete, or a masters competitor, smart training is the difference between shaving tenths off your time and sitting out the season with an injury. From a physical therapy perspective, ski racing training should focus on perfor

Does your workout routine feel like the same day on repeat? Same exercises, same reps, same motivation struggles. While consistency is important, doing the exact same program over and over can lead to boredom, plateaus, and even increased injury risk. As physical therapists, we often see people lose momentum not because exercise isn’t helping—but because it stops feeling engaging. The good news? Your program doesn’t need a total overhaul to feel new again. w Physical Therapy

Winter weather brings beautiful scenery—but also slippery sidewalks, icy parking lots, and uneven terrain. Wearing the wrong footwear during winter months is one of the most common contributors to falls, ankle injuries, knee pain, and low back strain. As physical therapists, we often see injuries that could have been avoided with proper winter footwear. Choosing the right shoes or boots can make a big difference in keeping you safe, comfortable, and active all season long. Wh

Winter sports offer different challenges than fair winter sports. Check out these tips for preventing injuries and training properly for winter sports. 1. Strengthening for Joint Protection Strong muscles act as shock absorbers for your joints, especially in unpredictable conditions. Key areas to strengthen: Quadriceps and hamstrings (knee support) Glutes (hip and knee alignment) Calves and ankles (stability on icy terrain) Core muscles (balance and control) A physical ther

Ski season is here, and whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or logging double-black diamonds every weekend, your body needs to be ready. Skiing places high demands on your legs, core, balance, and cardiovascular system. A targeted pre-season workout can improve performance, reduce fatigue, and significantly lower your risk of injury. As physical therapists, we see many ski-related injuries that could have been prevented with proper preparation. Here’s how to

Every January, millions of people make resolutions to move more, eat better, and live healthier lives. But by February, many of those goals have fizzled out. Sound familiar? The truth is, most resolutions fail not because of lack of willpower — but because they’re too ambitious, too vague, or not supported by a solid plan. The good news? You can absolutely stick to  your New Year’s resolutions with a little structure, support, and self-compassion. Here’s how to stay motivated

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day bring excitement, celebration, and reflection. It’s a time for gatherings, travel, parties, and of course — resolutions. But amidst the fun and festivities, it’s easy to forget how much stress, fatigue, and overindulgence can affect your body. Whether you’re dancing late into the night, traveling to see family, or hitting the slopes for a New Year’s getaway, keeping your body healthy will help you start the year feeling refreshed instead of r

The holiday season is full of joy — and often, a fair amount of stress. Between shopping, travel, family gatherings, and endless treats, it’s easy to let healthy habits slide. But staying active and mindful this time of year doesn’t have to be hard. A few simple strategies can help you feel energized, manage stress, and avoid those post-holiday aches and pains. Here’s how to stay healthy, happy, and moving through the holidays. 🕒 1. Keep Moving — Even in Small Ways When your