Prevent Summer Setbacks: How PT Keeps You in the Game
on Thursday, June 5, 2025
Summer is here in Oregon — and with it comes the itch to move. Whether you’re hitting the trails in Happy Valley, gardening in your Clackamas backyard, or joining a rec league in Portland, you’re probably planning to be more active over the next few months.
But if you’re not careful, this season of fun can quickly turn into a season of injury.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we help people across Portland, Gresham, Clackamas, and Happy Valley stay strong, pain-free, and ready for whatever summer brings. Our goal? Keep you moving safely, so you don’t miss a thing.
Why Summer Activity Can Lead to Injury
As temperatures rise, so does activity — and so do injuries. Physical therapists often see an increase in:
- Sprained ankles from uneven hiking trails
- Shoulder strains from recreational sports
- Low back pain from yard work or DIY projects
- Tendonitis from doing “too much too soon”
Here’s why it happens: after months of low winter activity, most people jump into summer routines at full speed. That sudden change — combined with poor mechanics, weak stabilizing muscles, or limited mobility — can overload your body.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Injury Prevention
Many people assume physical therapy is only reactive — something you turn to after an injury. But at Renew PT, we take a proactive approach.
We help you build a resilient, well-balanced body that’s equipped to handle increased activity. Here’s how:
1. Personalized Movement Assessments
Every body moves differently. Our expert PTs evaluate how you walk, squat, reach, and move — identifying muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, or poor movement patterns before they become problems.
2. Targeted Strength & Stability Training
We build strength where you need it most — your hips, core, shoulders, and ankles — so you have the support necessary for dynamic activity.
3. Flexibility & Mobility Work
Stiff joints and tight muscles limit motion and increase injury risk. We help improve range of motion through manual therapy and custom stretches.
4. Education That Empowers
We don’t just treat. We teach. You’ll learn how to warm up, pace yourself, and move smart for your favorite summer activities.
Summer Activity-Specific Injury Tips
Planning a busy summer? Here’s how physical therapy can keep your adventures pain-free:
Hiking in Happy Valley or the Columbia Gorge
- Strengthen your ankles, calves, and glutes for stability on uneven terrain
- Stretch your hip flexors and hamstrings to improve stride efficiency
- Learn how to use trekking poles properly to reduce knee strain
Gardening in Clackamas
- We’ll show you safer ways to lift bags of soil or mulch
- Core engagement techniques can protect your lower back
- Stretching before and after prevents wrist and shoulder overuse
Summer Rec Sports in Portland & Gresham
- Shoulder and knee stabilization drills help prevent sprains
- Balance training reduces falls and awkward landings
- Manual therapy relieves tightness in overused areas like quads or rotator cuffs
Travel & Road Trips
- PT can address posture and mobility issues before long flights or drives
- Learn stretches to reduce stiffness and swelling while on the road
- A pre-trip tune-up helps reduce back, hip, and neck pain
Who Benefits from Summer PT?
You don’t have to be injured to benefit from therapy. Physical therapy is ideal for:
- Active adults returning to seasonal sports
- Seniors in Happy Valley or Clackamas who want to stay independent
- Parents chasing kids at parks or pools
- Gardeners or DIYers doing heavy outdoor projects
- Anyone with a history of joint pain, stiffness, or previous injury
Why Choose Renew PT?
At Renew Physical Therapy, we’re more than just a clinic — we’re your movement partners. We provide:
- One-on-one, patient-focused care (no cookie-cutter programs)
- Skilled manual therapy that reduces pain and speeds healing
- Custom home programs so you can stay strong between sessions
- Experienced, licensed PTs who understand local lifestyles — from hiking Powell Butte to working in your Clackamas yard
Stay in the Game This Summer
Summer should be full of memories — not setbacks. If you’re looking to stay active, avoid injury, or get ahead of chronic pain, physical therapy is one of the best gifts you can give your body.
Start now and build strength, mobility, and confidence for everything the season brings.
Learn more about us here.
Call us at 503.928.4914 to schedule your appointment today.
SEO Title: Prevent Summer Injuries in Portland with Physical Therapy
SEO Description: Stay active and pain-free this summer. Renew PT offers expert physical therapy in Portland, Gresham, Clackamas, and Happy Valley.
