Most Common Injuries People See in Early Spring

When folks jump back into activity after the winter months, certain injuries tend to pop up more often.

These usually stem from tight muscles, weakened stabilizers, limited mobility, or spinal misalignment from long periods of inactivity. Common springtime injuries include:

1. Strains & Sprains

Quick starts without proper warm-ups can cause the muscles and connective tissues to overreach or tear. 

Common examples include:

• Hamstring or calf strains from running
• Ankle sprains on uneven trails
• Knee ligament irritation from quick direction changes

These often come with pain, swelling, or limited range of motion. 

2. Lower Back Pain

After months of sitting more and moving less, the core and back muscles can lose strength, leading to:

• Low back stiffness or spasms
• Pain when bending, lifting, or twisting
• Flare-ups during yard work or lifting gardening gear

Misalignment or imbalance in the spine often contributes to these symptoms. 

3. Tendonitis

Repetitive activities like biking, tennis, or increased walking can inflame tendons, especially in the:

• Achilles tendon
• Shoulders (rotator cuff)
• Elbows (tennis or golfer’s elbow)

Even moderate activity increases can aggravate these tendons if the body isn’t ready. 

4. Plantar Fasciitis

Sudden boosts in walking or jogging can stress the bottom of the foot, leading to heel pain and stiffness; classic signs of plantar fasciitis.

Read more in our latest article.

Feel Better with Shockwave Therapy in Ann Arbor

We offer shockwave therapy (ESWT) in Ann Arbor, which is used as part of a comprehensive care plan to help patients recover from springtime injuries more effectively.

If you’re ready to enjoy spring without being sidelined by injury, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn whether ESWT is right for you.

Let’s help you move better and heal faster!

What Patients Notice After ESWT for Shoulder Pain

Because Shockwave therapy (ESWT) supports healing rather than numbing symptoms, improvements
tend to build over time. 

Patients often report:

• Reduced shoulder pain during daily activities
• Improved ability to lift, reach, and rotate the arm
• Better sleep due to decreased nighttime shoulder discomfort
• Greater tolerance for strengthening and rehab exercises

Many patients notice gradual improvements over several weeks as the healing response continues.

ESWT as Part of a Comprehensive Shoulder Care Plan

At our office, ESWT is rarely used in isolation. It is often combined with:

• Targeted chiropractic adjustments
• Soft tissue therapy
• Corrective exercises and mobility work

This integrated approach helps address both the source of shoulder pain and the mechanics that may have contributed to the injury in the first place.

Read more in our latest article.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re dealing with ongoing shoulder pain, limited mobility, or a rotator cuff injury that hasn’t responded to traditional care, ESWT may be an effective option. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy can help restore movement and comfort.

For a no-pressure consultation, call 734-221-0362 or submit an online contact form. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

How ESWT Targets Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Pain

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves directly to injured shoulder
tissues. These waves stimulate biological responses that are especially beneficial for rotator cuff injuries and chronic shoulder pain.

1. Reduces Chronic Inflammation

Persistent inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of shoulder pain. ESWT helps regulate inflammatory processes in the tendon and surrounding tissues, leading to a gradual but meaningful reduction in pain and irritation.

2. Improves Blood Flow to Rotator Cuff Tendons

Rotator cuff tendons have limited circulation, which slows healing. ESWT increases local blood flow and encourages the formation of new blood vessels, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach damaged tissue more effectively.

3. Stimulates Tendon Repair and Remodeling

ESWT encourages collagen production and tissue regeneration, helping damaged rotator cuff tendons repair themselves. This is especially helpful for chronic tendinopathy and degenerative tendon changes.

4. Breaks Down Scar Tissue and Calcifications

For patients with calcific tendinitis or long-standing rotator cuff irritation, ESWT can help break down hardened deposits and fibrotic tissue that restrict movement and perpetuate pain.

Read more in our latest article.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re dealing with ongoing shoulder pain, limited mobility, or a rotator cuff injury that hasn’t responded to traditional care, ESWT may be an effective option. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy can help restore movement and comfort.

For a no-pressure consultation, call 734-221-0362 or submit an online contact form. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

3 MORE Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Have you ever thrown your back out trying to clear your driveway or sidewalk?

Following our last blog, here are three MORE tips for keeping your body safe while shoveling!

1. Use Good Technique

Avoid bending at the waist — that’s a fast track to lower back pain. Instead:

• Bend at your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Keep the shovel close to your body as you lift.
• Don’t overload the shovel — take smaller scoops.

This helps protect your spine and reduces the risk of muscle strains.

2. Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Shoveling isn’t a race. Take frequent breaks, especially if the snow is heavy or wet. Working slowly and steadily gives your muscles a chance to recover and helps reduce fatigue — one of the biggest drivers of poor form and injury.

3. Watch Out for Ice and Slips

Ice hidden under the snow is a common hazard. Wear boots with good traction and consider sprinkling sand or salt for grip. Slipping and falling can lead to sprains, fractures, or worse, so take extra care when temperatures hover around freezing. 

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!

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.