Sara Mikulsky

Check out my recent interview with The Beacon Beacon about living well, right here in Beacon, New York! Whether you live here, or in another part of the world, these 10 tips can help us all! Check the link by clicking here

The first warm days of March are motivating. You go for a longer walk, start running again, clean up the yard, or jump back into tennis or golf. But here’s what we see every year in physical therapy: March is prime time for overuse injuries. After a winter of reduced activity, your muscles, tendons, and joints aren’t as conditioned as you think. Your motivation may be high—but your tissue tolerance is lower than it was in the fall. Common early-spring injuries include: Achill

Shoulder pain has a way of sneaking into everyday life. One day it’s a dull ache when you reach overhead, and the next it’s waking you up at night or making simple tasks—like getting dressed or lifting a bag—uncomfortable. The good news? Most achy shoulder pain responds very well to physical therapy. Let’s break down what’s going on and how you can start feeling better. Why Does Shoulder Pain Happen? The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it one o

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