At NW Regen, summer commonly brings an increase in patients dealing with knee pain, shoulder irritation, tendon flare-ups, and old injuries that suddenly become noticeable again. This happens because we’re all getting more active again—often without realizing how increased activity can stress joints, tendons, and connective tissue.
What surprises many people is that the aggravating activities are not always intense.
Summer Activities That Place Hidden Stress on Joints
Common summer activities that can quietly aggravate joints include:
- Gardening and yardwork
- Pickleball and tennis
- Hiking on uneven terrain
- Long bike rides
- Home improvement projects
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Increased walking during travel
- Carrying coolers, luggage, or sports equipment
“Summer activities frequently involve repetitive bending, kneeling, lifting, gripping, twisting, or overhead motion. Tissues may not be fully conditioned for the sudden increase in demand. Tendons and joints typically prefer gradual progression.”
Returning to Activity Too Quickly Can Trigger Pain
One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming they can return to previous activity levels immediately. When tissues are already irritated or mildly degenerative, increased summer activity may trigger inflammation and pain.
Patients often notice:
- Stiffness after activity
- Pain climbing stairs or hills
- Reduced shoulder mobility
- Knee swelling
- Tendon tenderness
How PRP Supports the Body’s Natural Healing Response
Orthobiologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Prolotherapy and Stem Cell Therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing response by using concentrated components from the patient’s own blood.
PRP is commonly used to support:
- Tendon injuries
- Mild to moderate arthritis
- Ligament injuries
- Overuse conditions
- Chronic joint irritation
At NW Regen, regenerative medicine is often combined with movement guidance, rehabilitation strategies, and lifestyle support to help patients return to activity more safely and sustainably.
The goal is not simply temporary pain masking. It’s supporting tissue health and function over time.
Learn more about regenerative orthopedics here.
Preventing Small Flare-Ups from Becoming Bigger Injuries
Paying attention to smaller signs of joint stress early may help prevent more significant injuries later in the season.
PRP may help support healing for tendon injuries, joint irritation, and overuse conditions.
NW Regen offers regenerative medicine treatments designed to support recovery, mobility, and long-term tissue health for active adults.
Learn more about:
Contact our team to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hibbitts or Dr. Wood.
Dr. Ryan Wood
Licensed Naturopathic, Chiropractic physician Dr. Ryan Wood is the founder of NW Regen. He focuses on orthopedic and orthobiologic medicine and injection therapies, including Stellate Ganglion Blocks.
He is well-known as the west coast’s expert-level Stellate Ganglion Block specialist with nearly 3,000 DSR SGBs performed to date.
Dr. William Hibbitts
Licensed Naturopathic physician Dr. William Hibbits specializes in chronic pain, regenerative treatments, ultra-sound guided injections, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
He facilitates and supervises our ketamine-assisted therapy program as well as our ozone therapy, in addition to administering regenerative injections.
NW Regen
We offer regenerative and interventional medicine – tailored to empower you with a more vibrant, active lifestyle.
