From Weekend Warrior to Everyday Aches: Why Your Pain Might Be More Than Just Overuse

Weekend athlete

When the Weekend Catches Up With You

You know the feeling. It’s Monday morning, and after a weekend of hiking the Wasatch, dominating your pickleball league, or just getting a little too enthusiastic about yardwork—you wake up stiff, sore, and wondering if you’ve suddenly aged 10 years overnight.

Welcome to the world of the weekend warrior—the hardworking adults who give 100% at their job all week and then give 120% on the field, trail, or court over the weekend. While staying active is vital for your health, sudden bursts of activity after a sedentary week can lead to microtears, joint strain, and inflammation that your body isn’t quite ready for.

That’s where Vector Spine and Sport steps in. We help weekend warriors recover from overuse injuries, chronic aches, and those “mystery pains” that sneak up after an intense workout.


Common Weekend Warrior Injuries

It’s not just elite athletes who get hurt. The truth is, weekend warriors experience many of the same injuries—just without the pro trainers and recovery teams. Some of the most common injuries we treat at our Murray chiropractic clinic include:

  • Low back pain and stiffness from lifting, running, or improper form
  • Shoulder pain from throwing, swimming, or weight training
  • Knee pain and tendonitis from hiking, cycling, or running
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow from gripping and repetitive strain
  • Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain from long hours on your feet

Each of these conditions shares a common thread: muscle imbalance, repetitive stress, or poor biomechanics—things chiropractic care and shockwave therapy directly address.


How Chiropractic Care Helps You Bounce Back

At Vector Spine and Sport, chiropractic treatment isn’t just about “cracking your back.” It’s about improving your body’s movement and mechanics so you can perform better and recover faster.

Dr. Jacob Reesor performs targeted spinal and joint adjustments to restore motion, reduce inflammation, and relieve nerve pressure that contributes to stiffness and pain. Adjustments can also help improve flexibility, coordination, and posture—all critical for preventing recurring injuries.

Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments improve neuromuscular control, reduce pain, and can enhance athletic performance. A 2022 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation helps improve joint function and proprioception—your body’s awareness of movement and position.

In short: Chiropractic care keeps your body moving the way it was designed to move.


Shockwave Therapy: Your Secret Recovery Weapon

If your pain has lingered for weeks—or even months—after rest, stretching, or massage, you might be dealing with a chronic soft-tissue condition like tendonitis or fascia irritation.

Shockwave therapy (EPAT) is one of the most effective non-invasive tools for these stubborn injuries. It works by delivering acoustic pressure waves deep into the tissue, triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This increases blood flow, stimulates cell regeneration, and breaks down scar tissue.

Clinical research has shown impressive results:

  • A 2023 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Immunology found that shockwave therapy significantly improves pain and function for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy (PMC10468604).
  • Another study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that 90% of patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy improved with shockwave compared to only 50% with conservative care.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave technology, allowing us to treat both surface-level and deep-tissue injuries. Most patients notice improvement within just a few sessions.


Why Combining Chiropractic and Shockwave Works Best

Here’s the secret sauce: chiropractic and shockwave work best together.
While chiropractic care restores alignment and improves movement patterns, shockwave accelerates tissue healing at the cellular level. This one-two punch helps you heal faster, move better, and reduce your risk of reinjury—without relying on medications or surgery.


How to Prevent Future Weekend Warrior Injuries

The best injury is the one you never get. Here are Dr. Reesor’s top prevention tips for weekend warriors:

  • Warm up properly. A 5–10 minute dynamic warm-up can make a huge difference.
  • Build strength gradually. Don’t go from couch to competition in one weekend.
  • Stay hydrated. Muscles and joints function best when properly hydrated.
  • Get adjusted regularly. Prevent stiffness and poor mechanics from setting you back.
  • Recover like a pro. Use shockwave, laser, and stretching to keep your body tuned up.

Ready to Feel Better and Move Better?

You don’t have to let nagging pain or stiffness keep you off the court—or the trail. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or trying to prevent one, the team at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah is here to help you get back to doing what you love—safely and pain-free.

Plantar Fasciitis: Why Your Heel Hurts and How to Fix It

Plantar fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running along the bottom of your foot becomes irritated or inflamed. Think of it like a bowstring that supports your arch — when overstressed, it can create tiny tears that lead to stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning.

Common Causes

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t discriminate. We see it in:

  • Runners and athletes who place repeated stress on the fascia
  • People on their feet all day (nurses, teachers, warehouse workers)
  • Weekend warriors who jump back into sports without proper warm-up
  • Those with flat feet or very high arches
  • Weight gain or poor footwear choices, which increase stress on the heel

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
  • Pain after sitting for long periods
  • Worsening discomfort after activity
  • Tenderness at the bottom of the heel

Ignoring these symptoms often leads to chronic pain that can limit daily activities and even change how you walk — creating new problems in your knees, hips, and back.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

At Vector Spine and Sport, we believe in treating the root cause, not just masking symptoms. Here’s how we approach plantar fasciitis:

1. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments can improve foot and ankle biomechanics, taking stress off the plantar fascia. By aligning the spine and lower extremities, we support better movement patterns and healing.

2. Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)

Shockwave therapy delivers sound waves into the injured fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Research shows it improves blood flow, breaks up scar tissue, and reduces inflammation for long-term pain relief (Yapici et al., 2023; Charles et al., 2023).

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:

  • Non-invasive, no downtime
  • FDA-cleared and clinically proven
  • Often effective when other treatments fail
  • Safe alternative to injections or surgery

3. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

Laser therapy helps control inflammation and accelerate healing in the fascia, complementing shockwave therapy and chiropractic adjustments.

4. Lifestyle & Rehab Exercises

We provide specific stretches and strengthening routines patients can do at home to improve flexibility and resilience of the foot. Proper footwear advice is also key.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

When you come to Vector Spine and Sport for plantar fasciitis treatment, Dr. Jacob Reesor will:

  • Perform a thorough consultation and exam
  • Identify the root cause of your heel pain
  • Create a personalized plan that may include chiropractic, shockwave, laser, and home exercises
  • Explain your options clearly, without pressure or “cookie-cutter” care

Our goal is simple: get you moving again without surgery or unnecessary medication.

Heel pain doesn’t have to sideline your life. If you’re tired of waking up every morning with stabbing pain, it’s time to explore effective, evidence-based solutions.

📍 Visit us at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, UT
📞 Call/Text: (801) 456-0352
💻 Schedule Online: vectorspineandsport.com

Treating Pickleball Injuries with Shockwave Therapy at Vector Spine and Sport

Pickleball

Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport with players of all ages, combines elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. While it’s known for being accessible and fun, the sport can still lead to injuries. Common pickleball injuries include tendonitis, knee pain, and shoulder issues. Fortunately, Shockwave Therapy at Vector Spine and Sport offers an innovative solution to these common ailments, helping players recover faster and return to playing with reduced pain.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to target injured tissues. It stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing blood circulation and cell regeneration. Here’s how it can help pickleball players:

**1. Fast Pain Relief:
Shockwave therapy helps to reduce pain quickly by diminishing nerve sensitivity and increasing growth factors that support tissue healing.

**2. Enhanced Healing:
The therapy accelerates tissue repair and cell growth, making it highly effective for chronic conditions like tendonitis, which is common in pickleball players due to repetitive motion.

**3. Improved Mobility:
By breaking down scar tissue and calcifications, Shockwave Therapy can restore mobility and improve the range of motion, which is crucial for maintaining effective strokes and serves in pickleball.

**4. Reduced Inflammation:
The therapy’s ability to reduce inflammation can lead to a significant decrease in swelling and discomfort, allowing for more comfortable movement.

When to Consider Shockwave Therapy

If you’re experiencing persistent pain from playing pickleball that doesn’t improve with rest or traditional treatments, Shockwave Therapy might be an appropriate option. It’s particularly recommended for:

  • Tendonitis and bursitis
  • Muscle strains and sprains
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Calcific shoulder tendonitis

Conclusion

Don’t let injuries keep you off the pickleball court. Shockwave Therapy at Vector Spine and Sport offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution to speed up your recovery and help you play pain-free. Contact us today to find out more about this advanced treatment option and see if it is the right choice for your pickleball-related injuries.

Knees Hurt When You Walk? Read This…

Walking should feel natural — not like a chore. But if every step sends a twinge through your knees, it’s time to pay attention.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we see knee pain all the time — and not just in runners or athletes. Whether you’re walking around the block or powering through a workout, chronic knee pain can seriously hold you back.

💢 Common Causes of Knee Pain While Walking

  • Overuse or repetitive strain – from hiking, stairs, or even standing all day
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – pain around the kneecap, common in runners
  • Arthritis – especially osteoarthritis, which wears down cartilage over time
  • Tendonitis or bursitis – inflammation of the soft tissues around the joint
  • Previous injuries – like ACL tears or meniscus damage that never fully healed

Even foot alignment, hip tightness, or muscle imbalances can throw off your gait and create pain in the knees.


✅ Treatment Options That Actually Work

The good news? Surgery and heavy pain meds are not your only options.

We take a holistic and non-invasive approach to knee pain at Vector Spine and Sport.

🔹 Chiropractic Care

By improving alignment in the hips, spine, and knees, chiropractic adjustments can help correct imbalances and reduce strain on the knees. Many patients feel relief in just a few sessions.

🔹 Shockwave Therapy

This powerful, FDA-cleared technology uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in soft tissue injuries. It’s perfect for stubborn issues like tendonitis, bursitis, or chronic pain that just won’t go away.

🔹 Targeted Rehab & Lifestyle Tips

We also provide personalized movement strategies and home care exercises to keep you moving and prevent the pain from returning.


🎯 The Bottom Line:

If walking hurts, your body is trying to tell you something. Don’t wait for it to get worse.

Let’s treat the root cause — not just mask the symptoms.

👉 Book your consultation today and ask about our limited-time offer on shockwave therapy!
We’re here to help you walk confidently, pain-free.

☀️ Don’t Let Summer Sideline You: Preventing Common Summer Injuries

Summer in Utah means more time outside — whether you’re hitting the pickleball courts, lacing up your hiking boots, or finally committing to that morning jog. While staying active is great for your health, increased activity also means a higher risk of strains, sprains, and chronic pain flare-ups.

At Vector Spine and Sport, we’re all about keeping you moving without pain holding you back. Here are simple, proactive tips to help you avoid common summer injuries — and how chiropractic care and shockwave therapy can be your secret weapon for recovery and prevention.


🌿 Most Common Summer Injuries

When the sun comes out, so do the risks. Some of the most frequent issues we treat in the summer months include:

  • Ankle sprains from trail running or hiking
  • Tendonitis in the knees or elbows from pickleball and tennis
  • Lower back strains from yard work or lifting the wrong way
  • Shoulder pain from overuse or poor posture during outdoor sports

These injuries often sneak up on people — they don’t always feel serious at first, but left untreated, they can sideline your fun fast.


🏃‍♂️ Injury Prevention Tips for Outdoor Activities

1. Warm-Up Smart
Don’t skip the stretch! A quick warm-up before any outdoor activity increases circulation, improves joint mobility, and helps prevent muscle pulls.

  • Before a hike: Do light walking + hip and calf stretches.
  • Before running: Try dynamic movements like high knees or leg swings.
  • Before pickleball: Add shoulder circles, wrist stretches, and gentle lunges.

2. Listen to Your Body
It’s tempting to jump back into summer activities full throttle, but pacing yourself is key. Increase intensity gradually and take rest days.

3. Wear the Right Gear
Shoes matter! Worn-out soles or poor support can lead to knee, foot, and back pain. Invest in proper gear for the sport you’re doing.

4. Stay Hydrated
Dehydrated muscles are more prone to cramping and injury. Water keeps your tissues healthy and supports overall recovery.


💪 How Chiropractic and Shockwave Therapy Help

If pain does show up — or you want to stay ahead of it — Vector Spine and Sport has your back (literally).

Chiropractic Care
Proper alignment of the spine and joints enhances mobility, reduces tension, and helps your body function at its best. Regular adjustments also prevent compensation patterns that lead to injury over time.

Shockwave Therapy
For nagging pain that just won’t go away, shockwave therapy is a game-changer. It uses acoustic energy to:

  • Break up scar tissue
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Stimulate natural healing
  • Restore function — without drugs or surgery

We use both focused and radial shockwave based on your condition, and it’s ideal for treating tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shin splints, and more.


✅ Stay in the Game All Summer Long

You don’t have to wait until you’re hurting to take action. Let this summer be the one where you move confidently, recover faster, and feel stronger.

Book your visit to Vector Spine and Sport and get a custom plan that keeps you active — with less pain and more results.


💥 Ready to Move Pain-Free?
Schedule a chiropractic consult or ask about our summer shockwave therapy specials!

Discover the Power of Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain and Patellar Tendinopathy

Knee pain can be a narrative of discomfort that hinders your life’s story. But what if there’s a plot twist? Enter the world of Shockwave Therapy—the protagonist in your journey to conquering patellar tendinopathy.

The Pain Point: Patellar Tendinopathy
A common foe for athletes and active individuals alike, patellar tendinopathy is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone. It’s a hurdle that can trip you up, slowing down the pace of your daily life.

The Heroic Treatment: Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy steps into the storyline offering a non-invasive solution, with clinical studies showing promising results. This hero sends waves of relief to the site of pain, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Act I: Understanding Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy isn’t science fiction; it’s a science fact. A device delivers acoustic waves directly into the pain zone, rallying your body’s repair mechanisms to the cause.

Act II: The Benefits Unfold

  • Non-Invasive: No incisions, no scars, just relief.
  • Safe and Effective: Clinical evidence backs up its efficacy.
  • Quick Sessions: Each session is a short chapter in your recovery narrative.
  • Fast Recovery: Get back on your feet and return to the activities you love.

Act III: The Call to Adventure
Don’t let knee pain be the villain in your life’s story. Embrace the innovative care you deserve. Visit our clinic, where your new chapter begins. Say yes to movement, yes to adventure, and no to pain!

Ready to turn the page? Contact us today to schedule your shockwave therapy session.