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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.
Balance Exercises for Athletes: PT for Stability and Confidence
Imagine walking through Old Town Fort Collins, surrounded by the charm of locally-owned shops and the scenic beauty of the Cache La Poudre River. Now, imagine trying to navigate those same streets with a constant fear of falling. That’s where balance exercises for athletes can help you get back in the game!
Whether it’s a trip over uneven pavement or a stumble on one of our beautiful hiking trails, balance issues can drastically affect your quality of life.
But what if we told you that physical therapy could be your ticket to restoring your balance and confidence?
Knee Pain When Squatting? 3-Step Recovery Method Works
You try to exercise and there it is again—sharp, stubborn knee pain when squatting. Whether you’re lifting in the gym or getting low to pick something up, the pain keeps showing up like an uninvited guest.
It’s frustrating. You stretch, warm up, adjust your form, maybe even rest for a few days… and still, that pain flares right back up. If you’ve been told it’s just something to push through or chalked it up to aging, you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth:
Knee pain when squatting is common, but it isn’t normal. And it doesn’t mean you have to give up your workouts or settle for temporary relief.
At Up and Running Physical Therapy in Fort Collins, we help active adults and athletes fix this exact issue—without pills, surgery, or being told to stop doing what they love.
In this post, you’ll learn:
• Why your knee pain keeps coming back
• The most overlooked reasons squatting hurts
• How our 3-Step Method relieves pain and builds strength
Pain Behind Knee When Bending? Here’s What No One Tells You
You’re on a trail at Horsetooth, halfway through your run, and you feel it again, that sharp pull or deep ache behind your knee when bending. You stop, stretch, maybe even shake it out, but it lingers.
You’re not alone. We see this kind of pain all the time here in Fort Collins, especially in runners, hikers, and CrossFit athletes who push hard and expect their bodies to keep up.
It might show up as:
• A sudden pinch when you kneel
• A tight pull when squatting at the gym
• An ache that flares up after long bike rides down the Poudre trail
The pain might not be coming from where you think. And if you’ve tried foam rolling, stretching, or even resting with no luck, it’s time to dig deeper.
Proper Running Form Myths That Keep You Injured
You work hard to stay active, but something keeps throwing you off. Nagging aches, sore knees, tight hips. It’s frustrating when you’re putting in the miles and still ending up on the treatment table. But the truth is that proper running form myths may be keeping you there.
Many runners think their issues come from pushing too hard or not stretching enough. But the real problem might be your form. And even more surprising? It could be the so-called “proper running form” advice you’ve been following.
Let’s clear up the confusion so you stop repeating mistakes that lead to injury. These common myths don’t just slow you down. They set you up for pain.
Here’s what most runners in Arizona don’t realize:
Good form isn’t about looking perfect
Some popular tips actually increase your risk of injury
Your body type and mechanics matter more than internet advice
You deserve to run without pain. And it starts with tossing out the myths
How to Heal a Torn Meniscus Naturally
If you’re dealing with a torn meniscus, you’re probably frustrated, in pain, and wondering if surgery is your only option. The good news? It’s often not. Many times, it’s possible to learn how to heal a torn meniscus naturally.
You can support your body’s natural healing process with a few intentional choices and a little patience. It starts with understanding how your meniscus works and what it needs to recover.
This kind of tear doesn’t heal overnight, but if you give your knee the right environment to heal, you can often avoid the knife.
Whether you’re headed for the Coyote Ridge Trail or the Horsetooth Rock Trail Loop, our goal is to get you up and running again! So let’s look at practical, natural ways to ease the pain, reduce inflammation, and get you moving again, without rushing into surgery.
How to Keep Knees Healthy: Running for a Lifetime
Imagine training for months to run the Horsetooth Half Marathon, only to be sidelined by knee pain weeks before race day. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many runners who neglect proper knee care. So, how to keep knees healthy?
Studies show that the knee joint is one of the most vulnerable areas for overuse injuries. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can:
Bulletproof your knees
Reduce injury risk
Enhance your performance
What Does Dry Needling Do?
If you’ve ever dealt with muscle pain that won’t go away, dry needling might be the solution you haven’t considered. This technique uses thin needles to target trigger points—tight knots in your muscles that cause discomfort and limit movement.
Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is based on modern science. It helps by:
Releasing muscle tension
Reducing pain and inflammation
Improving blood flow and mobility
Many people feel relief after just one session. If you’re struggling with stubborn pain, dry needling could be the key to getting back to feeling your best.
How to Run Faster and Longer in Fort Collins
Running in Fort Collins means enjoying scenic trails, high-altitude training benefits, and a strong running community. But if you’re struggling to improve your speed or endurance, it might be time to fine-tune your approach. Small adjustments to your form, strength, and conditioning can make a big difference.
At higher elevations, your muscles work harder to get the oxygen they need. Without the right training, you may feel fatigued faster or struggle to maintain your pace. The most common obstacles runners face include:
– Inefficient running form that drains energy
– Muscle imbalances that slow down your stride
– Poor breathing control that leads to early fatigue
– A lack of endurance training that limits your progress
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can train smarter, run faster, and go farther. Whether you’re preparing for a local race or just want to enjoy longer runs in the Colorado foothills, targeted physical therapy can help you reach your goals.
