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Stop Guessing: Exercises for Lower Back Pain That Really Work
If you’ve been searching for exercises for lower back pain but feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice, you’re not alone. So many people waste time on generic routines that don’t target the real problem.
Your back pain doesn’t need random stretches or endless core work. What you need are smart, specific movements that ease tension, restore mobility, and actually keep the pain from coming back.
Here’s what happens when you choose the right approach:
You wake up without that constant ache.
You move through workouts without fear of a flare-up.
You start trusting your body again instead of guarding every step.
Stop settling for temporary fixes. Let’s dig into the exercises that actually make a difference.
Colorado Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality, and Training: Ultimate Guide for Runners and Athletes
Whether you’re running in Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, or anywhere else in the country, smoke from wildfires in Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, or even Canada can change the air quality in a matter of hours. This guide is the one I wish I had back then: simple, practical, and built for athletes who need real answers about air quality index, PM2.5, when to take it indoors, and more!
Sprained Foot? The Wake-Up Call That Could Transform Your Running
A sprained foot feels like the end of your training plans, but it might be the turning point your running actually needs. When pain stops you mid-run, it forces you to face habits, training gaps, and recovery routines you’ve ignored.
Instead of seeing this as wasted time, think of it as a reset button. A sprain can highlight what your body is asking for and show you where stronger habits must be built.
You’ll discover:
Why pushing through pain sets you back longer
How recovery creates stronger performance
What runners overlook about training balance
The key role physical therapy plays in returning faster
Your foot injury doesn’t have to define you as an injured runner. It can be the exact push that helps you come back smarter, stronger, and more prepared for every mile ahead
Why Does My Hip Hurt After Running?
You lace up ready for a great run, but halfway through, that familiar ache in your hip starts creeping in. By the time you’re done, it’s more than just a dull throb—it’s messing with your stride, your training, and your motivation. You’re left asking, “Why does my hip hurt after running?”
Hip pain after running isn’t always just “overuse” or “getting older.”
It can come from muscle imbalances, poor running mechanics, or even how your body recovers between workouts.
Sometimes it’s about flexibility. Other times, it’s your strength in key stabilizing muscles.
When you understand what’s really causing the problem, you can fix it for good instead of just pushing through or taking endless rest days. That’s how you get back to running without constantly worrying about your hip acting up again.
Meet AJ Cohen: Elevating Running Physical Therapy in Fort Collins
AJ Cohen’s drive toward running physical therapy began with his own struggles as an injured athlete.
His graduate school experience at a high-volume clinic, seeing multiple patients every hour, left him exhausted, and he even injured himself.
Though he pivoted into oncology and later worked in nursing homes, his passion for helping active adults and trail runners never faded.
Fueled by vision and frustration, he made the bold choice to start his own clinic tailored to what he believed physical therapy could be.
Gluteal Tendinopathy Isn’t Just a Pain in the Butt—It’s a Running Career Killer
If you’re an active adult or runner, gluteal tendinopathy can feel like the silent injury that’s ruining everything. One day you’re crushing your training plan, and the next you’re limping after a short jog.
This injury doesn’t just cause discomfort. It gets in the way of your momentum, your race goals, and even your confidence.
Can Physical Therapy Manage Osgood-Schlatter Treatment in Young Athletes?
Picture this: you’re watching a youth soccer game at Rolland Moore Park in Fort Collins. The energy is high, the kids are giving it their all, and then—one player pulls up, grabbing their knee in discomfort. This scene is all too familiar for many young athletes trying to find Osgood-Schlatter treatment that lets them stay active.
While it might sound intimidating, Osgood-Schlatter is a manageable condition that, with the right physical therapy, doesn’t have to sideline your child from the sports they love.
Can Plantar Fasciitis Shoes Really Stop the Foot Pain?
Foot pain can throw off everything—from your morning run to walking across the kitchen. If you’ve got a sharp, stabbing feeling in your heel, chances are plantar fasciitis is the culprit. But can specialized plantar fasciitis shoes really stop the pain?
Let’s look at how these shoes work and whether they’re worth your time and money.
If you’re trying to get back to pain-free movement without giving up your routine, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
Should I Workout When Sore or in Pain? #1 Risk Factor for Low Back Pain
We hear this question all the time: “Should I workout when sore or in pain?” However, the answer isn’t always clear-cut.
At Up and Running Physical Therapy, we see active adults across Fort Collins doing all the “right” things—hitting Spring Creek Trail, lifting at Miramont, summiting Horsetooth—and still ending up sidelined with low back pain.
Lower Back Stretches You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Lower back pain can sneak up on you and wreck your day. Whether you’re running, lifting, or just sitting too long, that ache can make everything harder than it needs to be. But how do you find the lower back stretches that actually help?
You deserve real relief that helps you move freely and feel strong again. And the right lower back stretches, simple moves that can change how your body feels and performs, can get you there.
In this guide, you’ll discover stretches that target those tight, sore spots fast. You’ll also learn when and how to use them so you can get back to doing what you love.
