Weed It Before You Need It

How physical therapy helps you stay active all season long

By Vincent Hanneken, PT/Owner

Ah, summer in Michigan! The sun is finally sticking around past dinner, the lawnmowers are humming, and suddenly everyone’s in sandals and rediscovering their knees. After months of “hibernation mode,” when we only left the house for essentials (and even that felt negotiable), we’re back to a season of movement, activity, and all the joys that come with it.

Much like nature, our bodies follow a rhythm. Winter tends to be a slower time — fewer steps, more couch. But as the weather warms up, we launch ourselves into spring cleaning, home projects, gardening, sports, and outdoor adventures like we’re starring in a summer reboot of ourselves.

But here’s the catch: you can’t go from 0 to 60 without some wear and tear. Every year around this time, we see a wave of patients who went from dormant to dynamic a little too fast. In March, they were binge-watching TV under a blanket. By April, they were on the pickleball court three times a week, and by now… they’re in our clinic with sore knees, tight backs, or mysterious aches that came out of nowhere.

So, how do we keep our bodies resilient enough to meet the demands of each season? Especially as we get older, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of what our bodies can handle. It’s not just about staying active — it’s about being smart before the pain starts.
Let’s use a metaphor you might relate to this time of year: a garden.

Planting the Seeds of Movement

Every good garden starts with a plan. You don’t just toss seeds in the yard and hope for tomatoes (unless you’re aiming for a salad surprise). Similarly, your body needs intention. What would you like to “grow” this year?

Do you want to run a 5k? Feel more confident walking in the sand? Keep up with the grandkids at the zoo without needing a bench every 20 minutes? These goals are your seeds. But seeds need the right soil, regular water, and some prep — not just wishful thinking. We recommend beginning your spring by “warming up.” Think light stretching, short walks, and consistency. You’re setting the foundation for a strong, limber body that can support more vigorous activity later.

Summertime: The Season of Growth… and Weeds

Now that summer is in full swing, we’re deep into the “growing” season — the time where those early efforts start to pay off. You’re moving more, spending time outside, and (hopefully) reaping the benefits of your effort. But even the healthiest gardens require maintenance.

Enter: weeds.

In physical therapy terms, weeds are those aches, pains, and odd twinges that pop up seemingly out of nowhere. Maybe you’re enjoying a nice evening walk, and the next morning, boom — your calf feels like you ran a marathon in your sleep. Or you’ve been hauling mulch and now your shoulder is staging a protest. Maybe you can’t think of anything specific you did, but all of a sudden your back is sore and you’re wearing slip on shoes because tying your laces would require flexibility that you just aren’t up for!

These small issues are often the early signs of something deeper. Maybe it’s one muscle compensating for another that’s not pulling its weight. Maybe there’s weakness or tightness that went unnoticed until you pushed your limits. Whatever your “weeds” are, there’s good news: Physical therapy is your personal garden maintenance crew.

At your first appointment, a physical therapist doesn’t just look at the pain — they look for the root of it. (We take our metaphors seriously!) You may come in with neck pain, but the cause may not be in the neck at all.

Did you know the human head weighs about 10–12 pounds? That’s basically a bowling ball you’re carrying around all day. If your neck muscles are doing all the work because your upper back muscles are asleep on the job, it’s no wonder you’re feeling strained. The root of your pain could be weak upper back muscles, poor posture, or even tight hips. In the body, everything’s connected! PTs are trained to be musculoskeletal detectives. Your PT can help sleuth the cause behind your pain, correct these imbalances, strengthen the right areas, and catch the culprit before it grows into something bigger.

Don’t Wait for the Weeds to Take Over

We understand… Nobody loves weeding. Or at least most people don’t enjoy it! But pulling one or two weeds early can save you from a whole overgrown mess later. The same is true for your body. Waiting too long to deal with pain often turns a manageable issue into something that sidelines your summer plans entirely.

As author George H. Lorimer said: “Putting off an easy thing makes it hard, and putting off a hard one makes it impossible.”

Physical therapy is about proactive care, not just reacting once something breaks. A quick check-in now can save you from weeks of discomfort, limited mobility, or missed adventures later.