Sara Mikulsky

Pain has a way of creeping into everyday life—whether it starts as a dull ache in your back, stiffness in your neck, or soreness in your knees after activity. Many people try to push through it or wait for it to go away on its own. But when pain lingers, it’s often your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Seeing a physical therapist (PT) early can make a significant difference in how quickly—and how fully—you recover. Pain Is Information, Not Just an Incon

As the weather warms up and we transition into spring, many people become more active—walking more, gardening, running, or simply spending longer hours on their feet. Unfortunately, this sudden increase in activity can lead to foot pain, especially if your muscles aren’t prepared for the added demand. From a physical therapy perspective, the key to preventing foot pain is building strength, improving flexibility, and supporting proper foot mechanics. The good news? Just a few

Shoulder pain is one of the most common issues we see in physical therapy—whether it’s from long hours at a desk, repetitive overhead movements, or weekend projects around the house. The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, which makes it powerful—but also more vulnerable to strain and instability. The good news? A few simple, consistent exercises can go a long way in preventing pain and keeping your shoulders strong, stable, and moving well. Why Shoulder Health Matters Your sh

Gardening is one of the most rewarding ways to stay active, reduce stress, and connect with nature—but it can also take a toll on your body if you’re not careful. As physical therapists, we often see aches and injuries that come from repetitive motions, poor posture, and overuse during yard work. The good news: with a few smart strategies, you can protect your body and keep gardening pain-free all season long. 1. Warm Up Before You Dig In Gardening may not feel like exercise,

Balance is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of physical health. It affects everything: Walking on uneven ground Climbing stairs Playing sports Lifting weights Preventing falls And here’s the key: balance declines quietly. Most people don’t notice changes until they feel unstable, trip more often, or lose confidence in movement. The good news? Balance is highly trainable at any age. 🧪 Quick At-Home Balance Assessments Try these simple screens: 1️⃣ Single-

Perimenopause can feel confusing. One month you feel strong and steady. The next, you’re dealing with joint pain, sleep disruption, weight changes, leaking with workouts, or a back flare-up that seems to come out of nowhere. These changes are common during the hormonal transition leading up to menopause — but that doesn’t mean you have to push through them alone. Physical therapy can help more than most women realize. What’s Happening in Perimenopause? As estrogen fluctuates,

Footwear is one of the most overlooked causes of pain we see in physical therapy. Before blaming your back, knees, or hips — look down. Your shoes influence how your foot hits the ground, how your ankle moves, how your knee tracks, and how forces travel up your body. Poor footwear can quietly contribute to: Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendinitis Shin splints Knee pain Hip and low back discomfort The Problem We See Every Spring As the weather warms up, people switch from suppor

Pelvic health issues are incredibly common — but they’re not often discussed. Leaking urine during exercise. Pelvic pain. Pain with intimacy. Pressure or heaviness. Core weakness that never quite improves. These symptoms are common. They are not normal. What Is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy? Pelvic health PT focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support your bladder, bowel, uterus/prostate, and core. These muscles are part of your deep stability syste

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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