July 2025 Newsletter

Autumn in Alaska can be a busy time: Hunting season ramps up, and the fish are still biting. Hiking in cooler weather becomes inviting. And, of course, you’ll need to chop firewood for the winter.
While you might not think about it too much, these activities demand physical effort, repetition, and endurance. And if your body isn’t ready, they can lead to injuries that linger long after the snow falls.
That’s why it’s essential to set aside time to work with Empower Physical Therapy Our team can help prepare you for any activities you want to do this fall, helping you avoid injury and enjoy the season.

Why Fall Brings a Spike in Injury Risk

Fall is your last chance to really participate in outdoor activities, which can mean you’re doing quite a lot at once. Furthermore, many fall activities require repetitive motions that can put pressure on your tendons and joints, which they may not be ready to handle. This can lead to seemingly minor issues that, if left unaddressed, can develop into more significant injuries.

Common Fall Activities (And the Injuries to Watch Out For)

• Hunting Several hunting-related movements can strain your shoulders, hips, knees, and lower back: carrying gear, walking long distances over uneven terrain, or holding awkward postures as you wait for the perfect shot. Our cold autumn weather can tighten muscles, making injury more likely, especially without proper warmup.
  
• Fishing Fishing is meditative, but it can also be repetitive. Casting and reeling require repeated arm and shoulder motion, while long hours in a boat or on uneven banks can also stress the lower back and legs, particularly if posture isn’t maintained.
  
• Hiking We may have some breathtaking trails, but our uneven terrain challenges your balance and ankle stability. Furthermore, steep inclines and long descents can stress the knees and hips. Carrying a pack compounds these demands, especially when loaded with supplies or game.
  
• Chopping Firewood Splitting logs involves repeated swinging motions that load the shoulders, elbows, and spine. Poor technique or fatigue increases the risk of muscle strain or joint irritation, especially in the lower back.
  
• Winterizing Your Property Essential tasks, like clearing gutters, draining hoses, storing gear, and moving heavy items, require awkward lifting, reaching, and bending. If your body isn’t prepared, these can quickly lead to pulled muscles, back strain, or joint pain.

We’re Here When You Need Us

If your body is already starting to complain—or you want to stay out of trouble before things ramp up more—we’re here for you. A quick session with a physical therapist can help identify what’s going on and give you the tools to keep moving strong through the rest of the season.

Whether it’s a quick tune-up or a longer plan, we’ve got your back (literally). And if you’ve had a great experience with us in the past, we’d be grateful if you passed our name along to a friend who might need a hand.

—Your team at Empower Physical Therapy
“Begin in Gratitude.”

Stay safe, stay strong, and we’ll see you out there.

Take Action Before the Snow Falls

Fall is one of the best seasons to be outdoors in Alaska, but it’s important to be mindful of injury prevention! Fortunately, our PTs are here to help. Whether you’re out hunting, cutting firewood, or prepping your home for winter, ensure your body is ready for activity.

Schedule an initial appointment at Empower Physical Therapy today. We’ll help you avoid pain and injury so you can enjoy all that fall has to offer without worry.

New Provider Spotlight:

CJ Charniak,

PT, DPT

When CJ was in 5th grade, her grandfather received a double lung transplant, giving her a firsthand look at the power of rehabilitation and recovery. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for helping others heal and regain their independence.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked as a rehabilitation technician in La Crosse, WI, supporting patients in acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient neuro PT settings. Throughout PT school, she completed clinical rotations in outpatient orthopedics, neurology, and acute care, treating a wide range of conditions including strokes, spinal cord injuries, and chronic pain. A clinical rotation in Homer, AK sparked her love for the state. After graduation, she made the move back with her fiancé, Kyle, to continue her career and embrace the outdoor lifestyle.

She loves building connections with her patients and helping them return to the activities they enjoy most. Her PT passions include working with both orthopedic and neurological patients, supporting those with chronic pain, and creating personalized, creative treatment plans. Outside the clinic, she’s often outdoors—camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing—or enjoying hobbies like baking and embroidery. She’s excited to welcome her family from Wisconsin when they visit and show them everything she loves about Alaska.