Whether you’re hitting the tennis courts or playing in a recreational softball league, sports are a great way to be physically active while still having fun. However, sports injuries are always a risk. It can surprise people to learn that most sports injuries are not caused by sudden, dramatic events, but rather compound over time. Often, they develop when someone doesn’t train in the off-season or tries to do too much too soon. This improper training and conditioning can resurface old injuries and lead to new ones, including common sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendinitis. Fortunately, our physical therapists can help you implement effective strategies to minimize your risk of sports injuries this season. We’ll assess your movement patterns and current symptoms, and develop a plan that directly addresses any concerns, with an emphasis on targeted exercises tailored to your unique sport. For example, golfers often benefit from improved core strength to build more powerful swings, while pickleball players often need to focus on strengthening their lower body to help with quick pivots on the court.

Biking is another popular way to enjoy the nice weather. Whether you’re riding around your neighborhood or navigating more complex off-road trails, biking can prove to be difficult if you’re suffering from injuries that have not healed or chronic pain conditions that restrict your mobility. However, our PTs are here to help. We’ll work with you to mobilize your joints, build strength, and improve your endurance so you can keep taking those long bike rides through the park, the mountains, or city streets. Having the proper fit can ensure you spend time enjoying the ride instead of recovering from an injury. One great thing about biking is that you can go as slow or as fast as you’re able. If you’re easing into activity after some time away, even 15-20 minutes twice a week is a good start. As you build strength and endurance, you can increase your distance and intensity.

Running is one of the most popular summertime activities, and for good reason: it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and decompress after a long day at work. Unfortunately, new and old runners alike will experience injuries, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or shin splints, that prevent them from putting in the miles. Worse, many runners will try to push through their symptoms, which only increases their risk of developing a more severe injury. Our team can work with you to build strength, address imbalances, and improve running patterns and other biomechanical inefficiencies. And if you’re new to running, we can help make sure your joint health is up to par before you hit the trails this season.