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Running Injuries: Why They Happen and How to Keep Doing What You Love
Running is one of the simplest ways to stay active, challenge yourself, and accomplish incredible goals. Whether you are training for your first 5K, chasing a personal record, returning to running postpartum, or simply trying to stay healthy for years of running, your body is constantly adapting to the demands of the sport. But when pain or injury gets in the way, it can be frustrating and discouraging. The good news? An injury does not always mean you have to stop running. W
Melissa Vanderlinde
Aug 33 min read
Our Services: Personalized Physical Therapy That Comes to You
When you’re in pain or dealing with an injury, finding the right care can feel overwhelming. At Empowered Stride PT & Performance, my goal is to make physical therapy simple, convenient, and centered around you. As a mobile physical therapy practice, I bring personalized, one-on-one care directly to you. Whether we meet in your home or another mutually agreed-upon location, you’ll receive expert care in an environment that’s convenient, comfortable, and tailored to your lifes
Melissa Vanderlinde
Jul 233 min read
Running During Pregnancy: Can You Keep Running? A Physical Therapist’s Guide
One of the most common questions I hear is: “Can I keep running while I’m pregnant?” The short answer? For many women, yes. If you had a healthy pregnancy and were running regularly before becoming pregnant, continuing to run is often safe—with the approval of your healthcare provider. However, pregnancy brings significant changes to your body, and the way you train may need to change as your pregnancy progresses. The goal isn’t to set personal records. The goal is to keep mo
Melissa Vanderlinde
Jul 223 min read
Why Cash-Pay Physical Therapy May Cost Less Than You Think
If you’ve ever searched for physical therapy, you’ve probably wondered: “Why don’t you take insurance?” It’s one of the most common questions I receive—and it’s a fair one. At Empowered Stride PT & Performance, I chose to be a cash-based physical therapy practice because it allows me to provide the highest quality care without insurance companies dictating how, when, or how often you receive treatment. While paying out of pocket can sound intimidating at first, many people ar
Melissa Vanderlinde
Jul 213 min read
Runner’s Knee: Why Your Knee Hurts (And Why Rest Alone Usually Isn’t the Answer)
If you’ve ever felt pain around or behind your kneecap during a run, going down stairs, squatting, or after sitting for a long time, you’re not alone. One of the most common injuries I see in runners is runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The good news? It doesn’t mean your knees are “bad,” and in most cases, you don’t need to stop running completely. What is Runner’s Knee? Runner’s knee is pain that develops around or behind the kneecap when the
Melissa Vanderlinde
Jun 303 min read
Welcome to Empowered Stride | Personalized Physical Therapy & Virtual Coaching
Empowered Stride is a personalized physical therapy and performance coaching practice built on one simple belief: you deserve physical therapy that actually works for your life, your goals, and your body. Too often, people are told to rest, stop doing what they love, or move through cookie-cutter rehab programs that don’t address the full picture. Empowered Stride exists to change that narrative. This is a space where movement is empowering, care is personal, and progress is
Melissa Vanderlinde
Feb 42 min read
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