August in Burlington means warm weekends, sunny evenings, and an irresistible call to the outdoors. Whether it’s pickup soccer at Sherwood Forest Park, a few rounds of golf at Tyandaga, or an ambitious Saturday run along the waterfront, summer brings out the athlete in all of us.
But while the energy is high, so is the injury risk. At Sheddon Physiotherapy in Bulrington/Aldershot, we see a sharp rise in sprains, strains, and overuse injuries during the late summer months—often from people who push hard on weekends after sitting at a desk all week. The result? Sore backs, twisted ankles, pulled hamstrings, and sometimes, weeks of recovery that could have been avoided with the right support.
Who Are the Weekend Warriors?
A “weekend warrior” is someone who participates in vigorous physical activity primarily on weekends, with little training or mobility work during the week. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many of us juggle demanding work schedules, family commitments, and a long list of responsibilities—leaving little time for regular exercise.
That’s why Saturdays and Sundays become the “catch-up” days for fitness. While it’s great to get moving, diving into high-intensity activities without preparation is like revving a cold engine at full speed. It might work once or twice, but eventually, something gives.
Why Summer Makes It Worse
In August, many people ramp up their activity levels. Maybe it’s a final push to enjoy the outdoors before fall arrives. Maybe it’s a summer league winding down and competition heating up. Or maybe it’s that bucket list hike or canoe trip finally happening.
But with increased frequency comes increased risk. The most common summer injuries we treat include:
- Ankle sprains from trail running or uneven terrain
- Rotator cuff strains from throwing or paddling
- Lower back pain from golf swings or improper lifting
- Knee injuries from sudden starts and stops in sports like soccer and tennis
- Tendinitis in the Achilles or elbow from repetitive motions
And because many weekend warriors aren’t conditioned for these movements throughout the week, the recovery is often longer—and more frustrating.
How Physiotherapy Helps You Stay Active, Not Sidelined
At Sheddon Physiotherapy, we believe staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health. But how you move matters just as much as how often you move.
Our approach with weekend warriors is two-fold: rehabilitation and prevention.
When you come in with an injury, we begin with a detailed assessment to understand not just the pain, but the movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or joint restrictions that may have contributed to it. Our treatment includes a combination of:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and restore joint mobility
- Targeted strengthening to address weaknesses or muscular imbalances
- Corrective exercises to improve functional movement patterns
- Education on proper warm-up, cool-down, and sports-specific technique
But our goal isn’t just to get you back to where you were—it’s to make you even stronger, so you’re less likely to get injured again. That’s why many of our clients continue working with us for performance support, not just recovery.
Prevention Starts Before You Play
If you’re still healthy and injury-free—great! That’s the perfect time to book a mobility and movement screen. These short, focused assessments allow our physiotherapists to identify potential problem areas and give you a personalized plan to improve performance and reduce risk.
You’d be surprised how many minor issues are ticking time bombs: tight hips leading to lower back strain, weak glutes overloading your knees, or poor shoulder mechanics putting pressure on your rotator cuff. These aren’t just gym problems—they show up when you least expect them, like during a spontaneous game of beach volleyball or a weekend hike with friends.
Even something as simple as improving your warm-up routine can dramatically lower your risk of injury. And no, you don’t have to stretch for 30 minutes—just a smart five-minute mobility prep can do wonders.
The Sheddon Advantage
We’re not just a clinic—we’re part of the Burlington/Aldershot community. Our team includes sports-minded physiotherapists who understand the demands of recreational athletes because we live it too. We’ve worked with weekend warriors of all ages and fitness levels—from casual joggers to former athletes—and we know how to tailor recovery and prevention to your lifestyle.
We offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to fit around your workday, and we’re happy to collaborate with personal trainers or coaches to create a comprehensive plan.
Don’t Let One Weekend Set You Back for Weeks
If you’re feeling sore after an active weekend or starting to notice recurring aches that won’t go away, don’t wait until it becomes something serious. Physiotherapy is most effective when it’s proactive, not just reactive.
Let us help you stay in the game, keep moving confidently, and enjoy every last bit of summer before the school year and colder weather roll in.
Book Your Injury Risk Screening or Rehab Appointment Today
Contact Sheddon Physiotherapy in Burlington to book your appointment. Whether you’re recovering, preventing, or just looking to move better—we’re here to help you keep doing what you love.
