Sara Mikulsky

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

It’s that time of year again — when ladders come out, extension cords appear, and we transform our homes into twinkling winter wonderlands. But before you reach up to hang that strand of lights, let’s talk about something that’s not quite as festive: shoulder injuries . As a physical therapist, I often see patients who come in with shoulder pain after decorating. Overhead reaching, lifting heavy boxes, and awkward ladder positions can all strain the rotator cuff, irritate the

It’s that time of year again — when ladders come out, extension cords appear, and we transform our homes into twinkling winter wonderlands. But before you reach up to hang that strand of lights, let’s talk about something that’s not quite as festive: shoulder injuries . As a physical therapist, I often see patients who come in with shoulder pain after decorating. Overhead reaching, lifting heavy boxes, and awkward ladder positions can all strain the rotator cuff, irritate the

Autumn brings beautiful colors—and a whole lot of leaves to clean up. While raking might seem like a simple fall chore, it can actually be quite physically demanding. Every year, physical therapists see an increase in back pain, shoulder strains, and muscle soreness after a weekend of yard work. The good news? A few smart adjustments can help you protect your body and make leaf cleanup a safe, effective workout—without the aches and pains. Here are our top physical therapy–ap

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to relax, reconnect, and reflect on gratitude — but it can also bring its share of stress, overindulgence, and aches from travel or holiday prep. Between long hours in the kitchen, sitting during travel, and large meals, it’s easy to let your healthy habits slide. The good news? With a few mindful choices, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving to the fullest while keeping your body moving and feeling great. Here are our top physical therapist–approv