Spring in Denver brings longer days, fresh energy, and the return of all your favorite outdoor sports. Whether you’re lacing up for a morning run along the Cherry Creek Trail, hitting the bike path in Washington Park, or working on your golf swing at City Park, this season is packed with opportunity—and risk.

After a winter of limited movement, many athletes jump into spring activities without fully preparing their bodies. This “too much, too soon” approach can lead to common overuse injuries, joint pain, or even season-ending setbacks.

At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, our team—led by Dr. Mansi and composed of medical doctors, physical therapists, a nurse practitioner, chiropractor, and medical massage therapists—specializes in sports conditioning, injury prevention, and rehab strategies that help Denver’s athletes move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best.

Here’s how we help runners, cyclists, and golfers thrive this spring.

Why Spring is Prime Time for Injury Prevention

The transition from a sedentary winter to high-impact spring activity is a recipe for injury if done without proper prep. Your muscles, joints, and soft tissues need time—and guidance—to adjust to the demands of your sport.

The most common spring injuries we treat include:

  • Runners: IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, patellar tendinitis
  • Cyclists: Hip flexor strain, low back pain, knee tracking issues
  • Golfers: Rotator cuff irritation, elbow tendinitis, lumbar strain

Most of these conditions are preventable with the right movement prep, strength work, and recovery plan. That’s where physical therapy comes in.

The Role of Preventative Physical Therapy for Spring Sports

Preventative PT is all about getting ahead of the problem. Instead of waiting for pain to stop you in your tracks, we evaluate how your body moves, identify weak links, and correct imbalances before they cause injury.

At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, we take a sport-specific approach to your care. That means we don’t just give you generic stretches—we tailor everything to how you move on the course, on the trail, or in the saddle.

Spring Conditioning for Runners: Build a Stronger Stride

Running is one of the most accessible spring activities—but it’s also high impact and hard on the body, especially if you’re coming off a long winter break.

Common runner issues we treat:

  • Tight hamstrings or hip flexors
  • Knee tracking problems
  • Ankle instability
  • Weak glutes and core

How PT helps:

  • Gait analysis: We assess your running form to identify inefficient movement patterns and correct them before they lead to injury.
  • Hip and core strengthening: A strong core and glutes stabilize your pelvis, reduce knee strain, and improve stride efficiency.
  • Mobility drills: We guide you through stretches and dynamic warm-ups that prep your muscles for longer distances and faster paces.
  • Recovery work: Techniques like dry needling, massage therapy, and foam rolling protocols support post-run recovery and prevent soreness from turning into strain.

Bonus Tip: If you’re training for a spring or summer race (like the Colfax Marathon), starting PT now can improve your performance and reduce your risk of burnout.

Spring Conditioning for Cyclists: Improve Alignment & Efficiency

Cycling might seem low impact, but repetitive pedaling puts significant stress on specific muscle groups and joints. Poor bike setup or muscle imbalances can quickly lead to overuse injuries.

Common cyclist issues we treat:

  • Hip tightness and flexor strain
  • Lower back pain from poor posture
  • Knee pain from poor alignment
  • Neck and shoulder tension

How PT helps:

  • Postural assessment: We identify where your posture breaks down on the bike and train your body to support better spinal alignment.
  • Joint mobility: Focused stretches improve hip rotation and reduce pressure on knees and lower back.
  • Core and shoulder stability: Building strength in your trunk and upper body reduces fatigue and improves balance and endurance.
  • Bike fit support: While we don’t replace a full bike fitting, we help ensure your body is moving efficiently within your setup—and refer you if adjustments are needed.

Bonus Tip: Cyclists often benefit from massage therapy and chiropractic care in tandem with PT to address tension in the neck, shoulders, and spine.

Spring Conditioning for Golfers: Boost Power Without Pain

Golf may not look like a high-impact sport, but the rotational demands of swinging a club can wreak havoc on the spine, shoulders, and elbows—especially after months off.

Common golfer issues we treat:

  • Lower back strain from poor hip mobility
  • Shoulder impingement from swing mechanics
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Reduced rotational mobility

How PT helps:

  • Swing mechanics analysis: We evaluate your movement patterns and identify where lack of mobility or stability is limiting your performance.
  • Hip and thoracic spine mobility: Increased mobility here reduces compensation in the lower back and shoulders.
  • Core strengthening: A stable core increases swing power and consistency while reducing spinal stress.
  • Joint-specific treatments: From shoulder stabilization to elbow tendinitis care, we tailor your rehab to protect your joints and extend your play season.

Bonus Tip: PT combined with chiropractic adjustments can help restore joint mobility, improve swing range, and reduce pain mid-round.

How Our Team Helps You Stay in the Game

At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, our collaborative care model means you get support from multiple disciplines—all under one roof.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Integrated care from medical doctors, physical therapists, a nurse practitioner, chiropractor, and medical massage therapists
  • Sport-specific treatment designed to meet the unique demands of runners, cyclists, and golfers
  • Whole-body wellness that considers posture, movement, nutrition, and recovery
  • Custom recovery plans that include in-clinic and at-home exercises, stretches, and education

We’re not just here to help you heal—we’re here to help you thrive through the season and beyond.

Strength, Mobility & Recovery: The Foundation of Spring Success

Strength

Targeted strength training focuses on the areas that matter most for your sport:

  • Glutes and core for runners and cyclists
  • Hip stabilizers and shoulders for golfers
  • Functional strength for improved endurance and posture

Our therapists use resistance training, TRX, bands, and functional movements to build strength that translates into performance.

Mobility

Mobility work improves flexibility, joint function, and balance. We use:

  • Dynamic stretches for warm-up routines
  • Static stretches to increase flexibility
  • Soft tissue mobilization for fascia release
  • Manual therapy to address joint restrictions

This ensures you move with ease—and recover faster.

Recovery

Recovery is the secret weapon most athletes overlook. At our clinic, recovery isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into your plan with:

  • Medical massage for circulation and relaxation
  • Chiropractic care for alignment and joint health
  • Home stretching and mobility routines
  • Education on sleep, hydration, and recovery nutrition

When your recovery improves, so does your performance.

Get Ready to Move Better This Spring

Whether you’re aiming to set a personal best, crush your golf game, or simply enjoy a season of pain-free activity, spring is the time to act.

Don’t wait for pain to slow you down. At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, we’re here to help you:

  • Prevent injury
  • Enhance performance
  • Build strength and mobility
  • Recover faster and feel better

With expert-led care, a supportive team, and sport-specific strategies, you can enter the season stronger—and stay that way.

Book Your Spring Sports Assessment Today

Ready to optimize your running, cycling, or golf performance?

Schedule a comprehensive sports movement assessment with our team at Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab. Let us evaluate your current mobility, strength, and risk factors—then build a customized plan to help you move better all season long. Book online to start your spring sports rehab journey. Let’s make this your healthiest, strongest, and most active spring yet.