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At OLO Physical Therapy & Wellness, we believe in empowering you to take control of your health journey. This guide will clarify the rules regarding doctor referrals for physical therapy in Michigan and how our specialized approach can get you back to peak performance faster.

New year... new program? New gym? New activity? Every January, gyms get busier, motivation spikes, and people dive headfirst into heavy lifts, new goals, and aggressive routines. And then… about 3 weeks in, I start getting messages like: “My knees are acting up again.” “I think I ramped up too fast.” “How do I know if I’m overtraining or just sore?” Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between progress and injury prevention. You just have to train a little smarter.

You're an active adult in Ann Arbor who pushes your limits. Whether you're crushing workouts at the gym, training for your next race, or perfecting your Olympic lifts, your body is your most important tool. When pain or injury strikes, you want to get back to what you love quickly and safely.

You are an active adult or athlete in Ann Arbor experiencing pain or injury, and you are searching for the right physical therapy clinic to help you recover. The challenge is real. Finding effective, personalized physical therapy that truly understands your needs and your active lifestyle can feel overwhelming.

A few weeks ago, someone came in and said: “My squat just stops  at a certain point. I’m not in pain, but I can’t go lower—and I’ve tried stretching everything.” Let’s call him Alex. Alex is a 42-year-old who trains 3–4x/week and wanted to improve squat depth without sacrificing form or irritating his knees. He’d been told his hips were “tight” and had spent months foam rolling, stretching, and doing mobility drills—but nothing changed. Here’s how we worked through it—and wha

At OLO Physical Therapy & Wellness, located at 680 State Cir Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, we believe the best care is personalized, comprehensive, and truly focused on YOU. Let's explore what sets us apart and why active adults and athletes choose us to stay in motion and avoid pills, injections, or surgery.

Welcome to OLO Physical Therapy & Wellness! We understand the passion and dedication that active adults and athletes in Ann Arbor bring to their lives and fitness.

Physical therapy is no longer confined to sterile clinics and insurance limitations. At OLO PT in Ann Arbor, we’re redefining what physical therapy looks like — and how it feels.

You wake up, stand up, and your knees don’t feel quite right. Maybe it’s a little stiffness going downstairs. Maybe they creak during squats or lunge sets. Maybe they’re just…grumpy. “I didn’t change anything in my workout… but my knees are talking.”“I warm up and feel okay, but they’re sore again later.”“Is it just getting older? Or is the weather messing with me?” I hear this every fall. You’re not imagining it. Your joints really do feel different as the temperature drops

“I need to do more core work—I think my abs are just weak.” “I’ve been adding planks but my back still gets tired when I lift.” “Maybe I should try one of those 30-day crunch challenges?” If any of those thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. I hear some version of this every week. The truth? Most people don’t need more crunches—they need a better understanding of what their core is and what it’s supposed to do. Let’s clear a few things up. Myth #1: A Strong Core

As we slide into September, I start hearing a familiar tune: “My shoulder’s been feeling off when I serve in pickleball…” “It’s not pain , exactly—it just feels weak overhead…” “I started lifting heavier again and now I’m noticing a pinch in my shoulder…” Sound familiar? You're not alone. As outdoor sports like golf, tennis, and pickleball ramp up—and strength training routines shift back indoors—shoulders tend to be the first to complain. So let’s talk about why, what you ca

It usually starts like this: “My lower back’s been tight after workouts lately, but it’s not bad ...” “I feel fine during my lift, but sore the next day…” “I tweaked my back once months ago, and now I’m afraid to lift again…” Sound familiar? This time of year, I start seeing more people with low back discomfort that isn’t quite pain , but isn’t quite normal  either. If that’s you, let’s talk through what could be going on—and how to move forward with a little more confidence.

Every summer I start to hear it: “My shoulder has been feeling tight lately…”“My achilles flared up again after that run last weekend…”“My knee’s acting up and I didn’t even do anything different…” Actually—you probably did  do something different. And that’s kind of the point. Summer Can Sneak Up On You More daylight, more steps, more workouts, more yardwork, more everything. The change often feels good at first, but somewhere around mid-July, your body starts giving you lit

What Is Lateral Elbow Pain? If you've ever felt a sharp or nagging pain on the outside of your elbow after gripping a barbell or carrying groceries, you’re not alone. Lateral elbow pain—commonly known as tennis elbow —isn’t just for tennis players. It’s incredibly common in lifters, desk workers, weekend warriors, and anyone who uses their hands a lot. The culprit? Overuse of the forearm extensor muscles, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) . Repetitive loadi

Ok, you’re hamstrings might actually feel tight, but that doesn’t mean that stretching them will automatically be your answer. Stretching...

I’ve been having a recurring conversation this week and thought it might help more people if shared. It has to do with the differentiation between Hurt and Harm and how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty As we age, managing pain can be confusing, especially when it’s hard to tell whether pain signals real harm or just discomfort. Let's break down the difference between "hurt" and "harm" so you can feel more confident in your body and your recovery. 1. Pain is a Prot

Yesterday, I spent several hours traveling, and by the time I got to my destination, my neck was feeling tight. Between sitting slouched in an airplane seat, reading a book, watching a movie, and schlepping bags through the terminal, I could feel the tension building. And what did I instinctively do? I stretched my neck. Even though I know  that’s not the real solution. Pain, stiffness, or general discomfort in the neck isn’t just about “tight muscles.” More often, it’s a com