3 Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Did you know that it’s easy to hurt yourself while shoveling snow?

Here are three tips for keeping your body safe while shoveling:

1. Warm Up Like You Would Before a Workout

Shoveling snow is essentially a form of exercise — and just like you wouldn’t start lifting weights with cold muscles, you shouldn’t start shoveling without warming up. Spend a few minutes stretching your back, legs, arms, and shoulders to get your muscles ready for action. 

2. Dress in Layers and Stay Hydrated

Cold muscles are more prone to injury and tightness. Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers so you can adjust your comfort level as you work. Staying hydrated is important too — even in winter, your body loses fluids through exertion. 

3. Choose the Right Shovel

Pick a shovel that matches your height and strength. A lightweight, ergonomic shovel can make the job much easier, especially if it allows you to push snow rather than lift it. Pushing snow reduces strain on your back and shoulders.

Read more in our latest article.

Visit Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor; No Pressure, No Commitment

Dr. Gessert focuses on specific structural correction chiropractic care — meaning that adjustment don’t just mask symptoms, they help identify and correct the root causes of your pain with a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether it’s back pain, shoulder strain, or discomfort from overexertion on the job, our array of services can help you feel better and get back to your normal routine.

Contact your local Ann Arbor chiropractor here or call 734-221-0362 to set up your first appointment! Remember, you’re free to talk to Dr. Gessert without pressure or commitment. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Elbow Tendon Pain

Did you know that Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment option?

ESWT works by delivering targeted acoustic waves to the injured tendon. These controlled pulses stimulate your body’s natural healing processes, helping break the cycle of chronic inflammation.

Benefits of ESWT for Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow:

• Stimulates collagen production needed for tendon repair
• Increases blood flow to the damaged tissue
• Breaks up calcifications or scar tissue
• Reduces pain by desensitizing nerve endings
• Improves mobility and function
• Accelerates long-term healing of chronic tendon injuries

Many patients notice improvement within a few treatments, with continued healing over several weeks.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Healing Your Elbow Pain with ESWT

You don’t have to live with chronic elbow pain. If tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Contact Dr. Gessert today to schedule an appointment and find out how Shockwave Therapy can help you get back to the activities you love—without pain.

What is Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?

Are you struggling with elbow pain day after day?

Here are two possible conditions:

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated or inflamed, typically from repetitive gripping, lifting, or overuse of the forearm muscles.

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and often develops from repetitive wrist flexion or forceful gripping.

You don’t have to play tennis or golf to develop these injuries—they're common in anyone who performs repetitive motions, including tradespeople, office workers, weightlifters, and parents who frequently lift young children.

Common symptoms include:

• Elbow pain and tenderness
• Weak grip strength
• Stiffness or achiness
• Pain that radiates into the forearm or wrist
• Difficulty lifting or gripping objects

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Healing Your Elbow Pain with ESWT

You don’t have to live with chronic elbow pain. If tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Contact Dr. Gessert today to schedule an appointment and find out how Shockwave Therapy can help you get back to the activities you love—without pain.

Symptoms of Torticollis

What does torticollis feel like? 

While experiences vary, common symptoms include:

• Head tilted to one side
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Headaches linked to neck tension
• Uneven shoulders or posture issues
• If left untreated, torticollis may become chronic or interfere with daily life.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. 

What Causes Torticollis?

Have you ever woken up with your neck “stuck” to one side? 

This condition, called torticollis, can affect people of all ages. Some common causes include:

• Muscle strain from sleep or sudden movement
• Spinal misalignments in the upper cervical spine
• Congenital muscle tightness in infants
• Degenerative changes like arthritis

In some cases, torticollis resolves quickly, but recurring episodes may point to a deeper spinal issue.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form.

Who Can Benefit from ESWT?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy isn’t just for athletes—it can help anyone dealing with stubborn pain or injuries. 

We recommend ESWT for:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Tendon injuries like rotator cuff issues or Achilles tendinitis
• Overuse injuries such as tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Chronic pain that hasn’t responded to rest, stretching, or medication

Because ESWT stimulates your body’s natural repair process, it’s a safe way to improve healing without surgery.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get ESWT in Ann Arbor!

If you’re tired of living with pain or limited movement, we’d be happy to talk with you about whether ESWT in Ann Arbor could be part of your path forward. Contact us for a consultation—no pressure, just a chance to explore what might help you feel better, move easier, and regain more of what you love doing.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?

Have you heard of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) but aren’t sure what it means?

“Extracorporeal” simply means “outside the body,” while “shockwave” refers to the gentle sound waves used during treatment. These sound waves are applied directly to the problem area to stimulate healing, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Because it’s non-invasive, ESWT often provides faster recovery and fewer risks than surgery or long-term medication. Many patients find relief after just a few sessions.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get ESWT in Ann Arbor!

If you’re tired of living with pain or limited movement, we’d be happy to talk with you about whether ESWT in Ann Arbor could be part of your path forward. Contact us for a consultation—no pressure, just a chance to explore what might help you feel better, move easier, and regain more of what you love doing.