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neck pain exercises

Why Most Neck Pain Exercises Fail (And What Actually Works)

You try every stretch and video online, but the pain keeps coming back. That’s because most neck pain exercises target the wrong problem.
Neck pain rarely comes from one muscle or one bad posture. It builds over time from poor movement habits, weak stabilizers, and daily tension you don’t even notice.
We see it all the time. You stretch the sore spot, but ignore the stiffness in your shoulders, the slumped position at your desk, or the tightness in your upper back.
Real progress happens when you train your body to move the way it’s meant to. That means:
• Strengthening the deep stabilizers of your neck and shoulder blades
• Correcting your alignment through mobility, not just stretching
• Rebuilding control so the pain doesn’t return after every workout or long workday
When you understand how your body connects, neck pain exercises stop being a short-term fix and start becoming a lasting solution.

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June 13, 2026 No Comments
Back Pain From Running: Why It Happens and How to Fix Your Form

The Fort Collins Sports Injury Clinic Built for Runners Who Refuse to Slow Down

You push your limits. You chase that next PR on the Poudre Trail, climb higher at Horsetooth Rock, or power through another CrossFit session — until your body finally tells you to stop. That’s when most runners turn to rest or quick fixes that never last.
At our sports injury clinic in Fort Collins, we take a different approach.
We know you’re not looking for someone to just “treat” you. You want to understand what’s really going on, fix it, and get back to training stronger than before. And at Up and Running Physical Therapy, we help you uncover the movement patterns, strength gaps, and recovery habits holding you back.
You don’t have to rely on painkillers, injections, or months of rest. Instead, we rebuild your movement from the ground up using movement and gait analysis and strength training designed specifically for runners. The result? You move better, recover faster, and feel unstoppable.
If you’re ready to train smarter, recover stronger, and keep running without the setbacks, our sports injury clinic is where your comeback begins.

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October 17, 2025 No Comments
Back Pain From Running: Why It Happens and How to Fix Your Form

How Many Miles A Week Should I Run?

When you ask yourself how many miles a week should I run, it’s easy to feel pulled in two directions. On one hand, you want to log enough miles to build endurance and see progress.
On the other, you worry about pushing too hard and risking injury.
The truth is, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your weekly mileage depends on your fitness level, training goals, and how well your body recovers between runs.
To figure out the right number for you, it helps to look at:
• Your current running base and experience
• The type of race or event you’re training for
• The time you realistically have each week
• How your body feels during and after runs
When you match your mileage to your goals and recovery, you can stay consistent, avoid setbacks, and keep running strong.

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September 26, 2025 2 Comments
Colorado Wildfires

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!

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September 9, 2025 No Comments
sprained foot

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

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September 2, 2025 No Comments
why does my hip hurt after running

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.

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August 13, 2025 No Comments
knee pain when squatting

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

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June 12, 2025 No Comments
proper running form

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

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April 16, 2025 No Comments
hip mobility exercises

Hip Mobility Exercises to Unlock Power: Don’t Let Your Hips Hold You Back

When it comes to staying active and pain-free, your hips play a more vital role than you might think. Poor hip mobility doesn’t just affect your hips—it has a ripple effect on your entire body. The good news is hip mobility exercises can make all the difference!

If you’re an active adult or an outdoor enthusiast, improving your hip mobility can be the key to enjoying activities like hiking at Horsetooth Reservoir or running along Spring Creek Trail without pain.

But here’s the kicker: neglecting your hip mobility could lead to long-term issues like:
– Low back pain
– Knee discomfort
– Even Achilles problems

If your hips aren’t doing their job, other areas of your body will have to pick up the slack—and that often leads to pain or injury.

So, how can you improve your hip mobility, stay strong, and move better? Incorporating a hip mobility exercise routine can be the solution.

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February 13, 2025 No Comments
runners knee recovery

Runner’s Knee Recovery: 15 Tips Every Fort Collins Runner Should Know

You know how frustrating it feels to have your training sidelined by pain. That sharp ache around your kneecap can make even walking uncomfortable, let alone running your favorite Fort Collins trails.

The good news is, runner’s knee recovery doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right approach, you can ease the pain, rebuild strength, and get back to running stronger than ever. 

Let’s explore practical tips to help you recover faster and prevent runner’s knee from holding you back again.

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January 16, 2025 No Comments
Stress & Response

Stress & Response

How can we expect to get stronger and see progress without forcing our bodies to adapt? Here in Fort Collins, Colorado, where there’s a high

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March 18, 2022 No Comments
DNF – A NEW PERSPECTIVE

DNF – A NEW PERSPECTIVE

A DNF, or “Did not Finish” is the scarlet letter of the ultrarunning world. Many ultrarunners dread even thinking about the possibility of not finishing

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July 21, 2021 No Comments
a man standing in front of a sign that says up and running physical therapy.
AUTHOR

Dr. AJ Cohen

Up And Running Physical Therapy

"We Help Runners And Active Adults In The Fort Collins Area Overcome Injury And Be Stronger Than Ever, Avoid Unnecessary Time Off, All Without Medications, Injections, Or Surgery."
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