At Body Works Physical Therapy, we meet many individuals stuck in what we call the “flare-up loop.” Pain calms down, then resurfaces. Activity feels unpredictable. Confidence declines.
Back pain has a way of sneaking into everyday life. It might begin as a dull ache after a long day at your desk. Maybe it shows up when you lift something that used to feel easy. Or perhaps you wake up stiff and assume you “slept wrong.” At Body Works Physical Therapy, we hear this story every single week. And one of the most common misconceptions we encounter is this: “It’s probably just tight muscles.” The truth is, most back pain is not simply a tightness issue. It is a signal. And understanding what your back is trying to tell you is the first step toward real, lasting relief.
Back pain in Edina tends to spike right after the holidays. Increased travel, long hours sitting, irregular workouts, and snow removal all converge at once. What felt manageable in the fall becomes more noticeable in winter.
Every January, we see the same pattern at BodyWorks Physical Therapy. The holidays are over, routines shift back into structure, the temperatures drop, and suddenly more people in Edina start noticing their back pain.
As winter sets in, many pickleball players begin noticing increased knee stiffness, soreness after matches, or a general feeling that movement feels harder than it should. For some, it shows up during play. For others, it appears later that evening or the next morning.
Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular sports in Edina and across the Twin Cities. It is fast paced, social, and accessible for athletes of all ages. Whether you are new to the game or playing several times a week, pickleball offers a great way to stay active and competitive.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. It brings people together, encourages movement, boosts fitness, and offers a fun, competitive outlet for athletes of all ages. But as more people pick up paddles and hit the court, one issue is showing up more frequently than ever: knee pain.
In this guide, we will break down why knee pain is so common, the movements that cause the most strain, and the practical, evidence-based steps you can take to keep your knees strong and your game improving.
If you’ve ever played tennis, pickleball, or squash, you know the feeling — that quick pivot, sudden lunge, or hard stop that sends a twinge straight through your knees. For many players, it’s part of the game. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping athletes and active adults: knee pain might be commonContinue Reading »
TL;DR: A targeted 8–12 minute warm-up reduces injury risk, improves power and reaction, and helps you play pain-free. Follow the sport-specific routine below to reduce sudden discomfort and stay on court — and if you have persistent pain, book a free discovery visit to get individualized advice. Why warming up matters for pickleball players Pickleball demandsContinue Reading »
