Get The Most Out of Summer Vacation With Physical Therapy
June 2025 Newsletter
Are you tired of dealing with aches and pains and just want to enjoy your summer? Does the pleasant weather make it harder to keep up with your physical therapy appointments? With the summer months upon us, we understand that it may be harder to make physical therapy a priority. Just remember that Empower Physical Therapy’s highly skilled physical therapists will help you resolve your problems so you can make the most of the season!
Between planning summer vacations, taking care of kids off for the summer, and spending time outdoors, many patients opt out of their physical therapy sessions in the summer months. Unfortunately, stopping physical therapy too soon can lead to regression — or worse, reinjury.
We’ll work around your busy schedule to find a time that meets your needs, allowing you to enjoy all summer has to offer while still taking care of yourself with regular physical therapy.
Call us today for more information on how we can help you incorporate physical therapy sessions into your busy summer routine.
Why Physical Therapy is Important, No Matter the Time of Year
Physical therapy has a wealth of benefits, helping people to avoid surgery, dangerous painkillers, and prolonged impairment and immobility. Furthermore, the sooner you begin physical therapy, the better–research shows that people who start treatment immediately after developing pain or sustaining an injury have better outcomes overall.
But when it comes to results, consistency is the key. Attending sessions intermittently or putting off treatment until the fall can cause further complications. Even if you don’t reinjure yourself, you risk your pain becoming chronic.
Chronic pain refers to pain that persists even after the injury should have healed. Any pain that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic, and it’s nothing to take lightly: chronic pain can lead to physical disability, mental health concerns, and reduced quality of life.
But even if chronic pain isn’t an issue for you, physical therapy can still help. Consider all the benefits that physical therapy provides. It can…
- Reduce or eliminate pain
- Help you recover from and prevent injury
- Improve strength
- Improve range of motion
- Improve balance and coordination
- Reduce your risk of falls
- Avoid surgery (which would definitely put a damper on summer plans)
In most cases, you only need a few sessions in each week to see results. Our therapists and friendly staff will work around your busy schedule to help you keep up with treatment!
Physical Therapy Is Worth Your Time, Even in the Summer
Time and time again, studies have shown that physical therapy leads to improved health and overall well-being–which just means it’ll be even easier for you to enjoy the summer months!
Consider the ways that keeping up with your physical therapy will help you this summer:
Planning a family camping trip in the Alaskan wilderness? Our physical therapists can help you hike, haul, and explore all day — without joint pain slowing you down.
Planning an adventurous vacation? We can ensure your body’s ready to tackle that ten-mile hike or those intense whitewater rapids.
Wanna hit the river and be able to fish all day? We’ll help resolve your lower back pain so you can catch your limit.
We recognize that keeping regular physical therapy appointments may be more challenging in the summertime, but our customized treatment plans will help you make the most of the season.
When you come in for an appointment, we’ll tailor your program around your specific symptoms, conditions, and goals. We can also take any big summer plan into consideration, whether that’s a month-long tour of Europe or a busy summer driving your kids around town.
While everyone’s treatment will be different, you can expect a blend of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, education, and strategies for managing your condition outside of the clinic. No matter your needs — or your summer plans — we’ll find a program that works for you.
Kick Off Your Summertime Physical Therapy Today!
Schedule a consultation with Empower Physical Therapy today so you can make the most of summer all season long. Worried that you’ll struggle to keep up with appointments? We offer easy, flexible scheduling.
Call us today to get started!
Physical Therapy Triumphs
Real 5-Star Reviews
“I’ve loved my experience at Empower Physical Therapy. I have Ehlers Danlos & they’ve been wonderful with helping me adapt and learn about my diagnosis. I worked with Chandler the entire time, and he was so fun to work with. Everyone on the staff is super friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend!”
— Sarah To.
“I initially came here for my sciatic pain during my pregnancy. I had therapy before for this many years ago on my last pregnancy, but I didn’t realize how much more care I could get when I started coming here to Empower. I had way more care than I ever had before. Doing exercises, preparation for these exercises, had Cupping done, and they also gave me tape to give me some relief on my back and my carpal tunnel. They were very thorough. Morgan is awesome. I never received massaging or anything like that before with therapy. By the time I was done, my sciatica was gone. I highly recommend anyone who’s pregnant to come here overall. They help you with delivery exercises and so much more.”
— Sarah Th.
Have a physical therapy success story you want to share?
We would love to hear from you. And you may just be the inspiration someone needs to seek help.
Cool Things Coming Up
Alaska Walk for Down Syndrome June 14th @ 11:00am
Starting in 1995, the Alaska Down Syndrome network has relied on this walk as their sole fundraiser for the year. What they raise on this day helps them provide scholarships, hold social and educational events for our community, and provide educational materials to local clinics and therapy offices. You can register and learn more here:
https://www.akdownsyndrome.org/alaska-walk
Anchorage to Seward Relay Race June 27 & 28, 2025
A few of our providers are racing in this relay again! Northwest Relays puts this race on annually. Teams of 12 people will run 200 miles from Mirror Lake in Chugiak all the way to the shores of Resurrection Bay!
Government Peak Enduro & Chain Breaker Race July 19, 2025
In its 4th year, Valley Mountain Bikers & Hikers is putting on another awesome race. Get ready to pedal or cheer on these racers! Keep your eyes peeled for details soon on their Facebook page: @ValMtnBikersHikers.
Employee Spotlight:
Kevin Stimmel
PT, DPT
Kevin joined the Empower Physical Therapy team in September 2023. He earned his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at Sacred Heart University, where he was also a college athlete. He continued at Sacred Heart, completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2019. After graduating, he began working in an outpatient sports medicine clinic, where he primarily treated high school, college, and professional athletes, as well as active adults.
His career has centered on various orthopedic conditions, with a particular focus on ACL rehabilitation and lower extremity treatment. Kevin is certified in dry needling and enjoys incorporating this technique, along with other manual therapy methods, into his treatments. He is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds and fitness levels achieve their goals.
In his free time, Kevin enjoys the outdoors with his wife, Danielle, and their dog, Denver. His hobbies include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, weight training, and traveling. As a newcomer to Alaska, he’s excited to explore winter sports such as fat tire biking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.
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Feel Better by Eating Better!
Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
This Blueberry Spinach Smoothie is a deliciously refreshing and nutritious blend packed with antioxidants, protein, and natural sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack, it combines creamy Greek yogurt, sweet berries, and leafy greens for a smooth, satisfying drink that’s as energizing as it is tasty.
Ingredients — 2 Servings
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana
- 2/3 cup frozen alaskan blueberries
- 2 large frozen strawberries
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy, coconut, soy, almond)
- 2 teaspoons protein powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of honey, or to taste
Add all of the ingredients to a blender, cover with the lid and whirl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency and taste for sweetness, adjusting as necessary. Pour into two glasses and enjoy promptly.
Exercise of the Month
HEEL SLIDES LONG SIT
Sit with both legs extended on the floor. Slowly slide one heel toward your body, bending the knee while keeping the foot on the floor. Straighten the leg again and repeat to improve knee mobility.
Meet Our Team
Briana Leatham
PT, DPT
Lindsey Wright
PT, DPT
Jacob Pollard
PT, DPT, Founder
Justin Handy
PT, DPT, Partner
Wes Mennear
PT, DPT, Partner
Rachel Stokes
PT, DPT, CLT
Heather Bitgood
PT, DPT
Morgan Borkovec
PT, DPT
Renae Plummer
Lead New Patient Coordinator & Benefits Specialist
Hayley Lincoln
Anchorage Office Manager
Sarah Swanson
Lead Wasilla Front Office Coordinator
Joanne Schultz
New Patient Coordinator & Benefits Specialist
Haley Soares
Director of Administration
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
