Sara Mikulsky

There’s something about September that makes us want to reset. Summer vacations are winding down. Kids are back in school. Work routines become more predictable. The cooler weather makes it easier to get outside—and suddenly, you may find yourself hiking, walking longer distances, running, playing pickleball, returning to the gym, or taking on all those fall projects around the house. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked during this seasonal transition: Your body

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer—a time for backyard barbecues, hiking, road trips, beach days, and spending time with family and friends. While it’s a weekend to relax and celebrate, it’s also one of the busiest times for strains, sprains, and overuse injuries. Here are seven tips from a physical therapist to help you enjoy the holiday weekend without paying for it with aches and pains on Tuesday morning. 1. Don’t Be a “Weekend Warrior” If you’ve been less a

As August winds down, life starts to speed up. Kids head back to school, fall sports begin, vacations come to an end, and many people return to longer hours at work after a more relaxed summer schedule. Unfortunately, this seasonal transition is also when physical therapists see a spike in aches, pains, and injuries. The good news? A little preparation now can help you stay active and pain-free throughout the fall. Why Injuries Increase in Late Summer During August, many peop

One of the biggest wellness trends right now isn’t a new workout class, wearable device, or expensive piece of equipment. It’s something much simpler: movement snacks. Movement snacks are short bursts of physical activity—usually lasting one to five minutes—performed throughout the day. Instead of relying only on a single 30- or 60-minute workout, people are breaking up long periods of sitting with frequent, purposeful movement. For physical therapists, this trend is exciting

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I guess it’s just old age”? Many people assume that aching knees, stiff backs, poor balance, or difficulty getting up from the floor are simply part of aging. While our bodies naturally change over time, pain and loss of function are not inevitable. More often, they’re signs that your body needs the right kind of movement—not less movement. As physical therapists, one of the most common myths we hear is, “I’m getting older, so I should t

Most people think of physical therapy as something you need after an injury or surgery. While physical therapists are experts in rehabilitation, they also play an important role in helping people stay healthy, active, and injury-free. At our practice, we believe physical therapy isn’t just about recovering from pain—it’s about optimizing how your body moves so you can continue doing the activities you love. What Is a Physical Therapy Body Check? Think of a body check as an an

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for people of all ages. It builds cardiovascular fitness, improves strength, and is easy on the joints. However, poor swimming technique can lead to overuse injuries that sideline swimmers and take the fun out of the pool. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer, a triathlete, or someone who enjoys swimming laps for fitness, paying attention to technique can help keep you injury-free. Common Swimming Injuries The repetitive nature o

Heat, sun, salt air, and activity (walking on sand, swimming, playing) increase fluid loss and risk of cramps, dizziness, and fatigue — all of which can limit mobility and raise injury risk. Staying well hydrated helps thermoregulation, muscle function, and balance. Creative, practical hydration strategies Start hydrated and sip consistently Drink 12–16 oz within 1–2 hours before heading out. Instead of big gulps later, take regular small sips (4–6 oz every 15–30 minutes) to

Intro Hiking stresses knees, ankles, hips, and the lower back through uneven terrain, load carriage, and long durations. These three practical, evidence-based tips help reduce injury risk and keep you on the trail. Build Lower-Body Strength and Balance Why: Strong hips, quads, hamstrings, and ankle stabilizers absorb shock, control descent, and reduce knee/ankle injuries. What to do: Include 2–3 weekly sessions with squats or step-ups, single-leg deadlifts, and calf raise

Golf demands rotation, balance, and repetitive motion. Tight muscles increase injury risk — especially in the lower back, shoulders, and hips. These three quick, low-risk stretches target common problem areas and can be done before play or as part of a daily routine. Thoracic Rotation (Seated or Standing) Why: Improves mid-back (thoracic) mobility to reduce compensatory lumbar rotation and shoulder strain during the swing. How: Sit tall or stand with feet hip-width apart. C