When Should I Get Imaging? (X-ray, MRI, CT)

February 11, 2026

If you’ve ever had pain and wondered… “Do I need an MRI?” “What if something is torn?” “Should I get an X-ray just to be safe?” …you’re not alone. In today’s world, imaging feels like the fastest way to get answers. But here’s the truth: ✅ Imaging can be incredibly helpful when it’s truly needed

Interrupted Sleep: How to Recover Quickly After a Rough Night

February 4, 2026

By Dr. Mary Rose Strickland – Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional If you’ve ever had a night where you barely slept — or your sleep was constantly interrupted — you know the feeling the next day: groggy irritable headachy heavy body foggy brain craving sugar and caffeine low motivation And for many people, this isn’t just

3 Reasons You Aren’t Getting Better Yet

February 4, 2026

If you’re frustrated because your pain just won’t go away, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common things we hear: “I thought it would be better by now.” And often, people feel discouraged because they’ve already tried a lot: rest stretching ice/heat massage new shoes a brace YouTube exercises pain meds maybe

What Is Causing My Pain? (And Why Googling It Can Get Tricky)

January 28, 2026

If you’ve ever felt a new ache and immediately reached for your phone… you’re not alone. Most of us do it. We feel pain in one spot — the bottom of the foot, the front of the knee, the outside of the hip, the shoulder — and we want an answer. So we search: “What

New at New Life PT: A Faster Way to Get Out of Pain & Back to Movement

January 20, 2026

Pain shouldn’t be the thing that keeps you stuck. But for many people, pain is the barrier—blocking strength, confidence, and progress. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Class IV Therapeutic Laser, now available at New Life Physical Therapy – Portage. This isn’t a replacement for exercise or rehab. It’s a powerful accelerator that helps your

The Real Cost of Letting Pain Go Untreated

January 13, 2026

Pain is rarely “just pain.” When pain lingers, people naturally start to move less. Strength declines. Joints stiffen. Balance and confidence drop. Everyday activities—stairs, getting on the floor, lifting, sleeping well—quietly become harder. Over time, this reduced movement feeds the pain, and what began as a manageable issue can turn into a long-term functional problem.

Lifestyle Success in 2026

December 30, 2025

As we approach a new year, many will focus on improved health in 2026. While “lose weight” and “exercise” more are popular areas of focus, there are a variety of other opportunities to improve your health. Big changes all at once can set us up for failure. Try picking one or two larger items, or

The Shoulder Joint: Part 1 – Mobility

December 30, 2025

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and versatile joints in the human body, allowing for a wide range of motion and flexibility. It is comprised of several structures, including bones, several muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support and move the joint. The shoulder joint provides maximum mobility allowing you to move it

The Shoulder Joint: Part 2 – Stability

December 30, 2025

The first article in this two-part series discussed the great mobility we get from our shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is one of the most complex and versatile joints in the human body, allowing for a wide range of motion and flexibility. However, due to its complexity and great range of motion, it is prone