Better Days Physical Therapy and Wellness

03/16/2026

Your ankles are your foundation.

If you’re not training them, you’re leaving performance (and resilience) on the table.

Ankle strengthening isn’t just about bands and calf raises — it’s about:

✔️ Multi-directional training (because life and sport don’t happen in straight lines)
✔️ Force absorption (teaching your body to handle load safely)
✔️ Muscle reactivity (so your ankles respond quickly, not slowly)

Plyometrics help bridge the gap between strength and real-world movement.
Strong. Reactive. Resilient.

Don’t just move — move well.

03/13/2026

Help us give a warm welcome to our newest Physical Therapist, Dr. Katia Skarupinski!

A proud Leelanau County native and graduate of Leland Public School, Katia’s journey has taken her from earning her Bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University to receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Belmont University.

Katia brings a diverse clinical background to our clinic, including experience with dry needling, long-term neurological care, and working with high school and collegiate athletes. Whether you're getting back to sport, recovering from injury, or improving everyday movement, she’s passionate about helping patients of all ages regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

When she’s not in the clinic, you can find Katia on the water, hiking along the lakeshore, going for a run, or curled up with a good book.

We’re so excited to have her on our team — be sure to come in and say hi!

03/11/2026

For years we were told not to exercise during pregnancy… but we now know the opposite is true. 🤰✨

Movement is SAFE, BENEFICIAL and ENCOURAGED for both mom and baby in most pregnancies.

While training throughout pregnancy, I’ve been focused on a few keep movements:

• Single-leg strength– Pregnancy hormones increase elastin and ligament laxity, which can make joints less stable. Single-leg work helps build strength and balance to support those changes.

• Core strength– A strong core helps support the growing belly, improves posture, and can reduce back discomfort as your center of gravity shifts.

• Pelvic stabilization– Strengthening the muscles around the hips and pelvis helps support the body as it adapts throughout pregnancy.

• Breathing & relaxation– Not every workout needs to be intense. Intentional breathing and slowing down help regulate the nervous system and prepare the body for birth.

And most importantly: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

Every pregnancy is different, and movement should support how you feel that day. 💛

Strong moms. Healthy babies. Supported bodies.

*As a reminder, each pregnancy is different. Be sure to contact your medical provider for recommendations specifically for you.

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! 💕

03/05/2026

When you find someone who fits your clinics vibe, cares about providing quality care, understands the importance of a full body approach and values helping people stay active and pain free… you have them join the team!

Meet Dr. Katia Skarupinski. A local to Leelanau county with experience in treating high school and collegiate athletes, along with long term neurological patients.

We are so excited to have her join our team!

03/04/2026

The surprise you didn’t know you needed… 👀

More details to come! 🙃

02/23/2026

Such a fun workshop talking about force plates and ways to improve the golf swing! Thanks to and for collaborating on this fun event!

If you missed out, but are looking for ways to prepare your body for this upcoming golf season, the Complete Golf Fitness Course is perfect for you! This 4 week workout course is designed to improve your strength, mobility, balance and power, all required to golf!

Give us a call today to get signed up! Classes start March 2nd!

P: 231-268-0401

02/20/2026

We LISTEN & CARE!

You are not just another client. We value our relationships and connections with each client!

Looking for therapy that takes a full body approach with a PT that actually cares? Give us a call! 231-268-0401

02/17/2026

GOLFERS! 🏌️ 🏌️‍♀️

Golf season will be here soon! The sunny past few days are just a reminder that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming season!

Whether you are on the high school golf team, a retiree looking forward to the upcoming season and or someone somewhere in the middle, this class is for you!

Join us for 4 weeks (8 classes) of training focused on mobility, balance, power and strength all required for golf!

Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm.

Give us a call to get signed up! First class is March 2nd!
P: 231-268-0401

02/11/2026

An amazing opportunity for those who need it!

Sending out a friendly reminder about this wonderful opportunity happening at our office in just three days!

02/11/2026

SKI TRIP 2026 🏂🤰

Plot twist… this year I hit the slopes PREGNANT.

For the past 5 years, my husband, friends, and I have made our annual trip out west for a week full of skiing (and let’s be honest… LOTS of it). It’s one of my favorite traditions.

This year looked a little different.

Did being pregnant stop me from going?
Absolutely not.

Did it mean making smart modifications to keep baby and me safe?
100%.

Every pregnancy is different, and I’m incredibly thankful I’ve been able to stay active during mine.

When I talked with my OB, it wasn’t just about the physical act of snowboarding. It was also about the mental side. Snowboarding fills my cup. I have years of experience, and I knew this wasn’t the year to push limits or chase big runs.

Leading up to the trip, I made weekly visits to .mountain to stay confident on the hill, kept up with hip mobility work, and prioritized lower body strength.

On the mountain?
Green and blue runs.
Extra snacks 🍪
Plenty of breaks.

And honestly? I still had an absolute blast.

Future ski trips might look a little different… but I’m so proud of my body for showing up for this one 💪🏻

Another ski trip in the books. Until next time 🏔️

*If you’re pregnant, always talk with your OB/midwife before intense activity.
*Not medical advice — just sharing my experience.