April 2026 update
Hello everyone,
As April wraps up another ski season in Crested Butte, Colorado. I do wish that we continue to get more snow, rain, and a little more space to breathe intentionally between our off-season.
Here are some April thoughts:
More often than not, people walk into my office at a low point—physically. And tell me I’m there last resort!
They’re no longer able to do the simple things they once could…
Driving an hour, getting out of bed without pain, or doing basic chores around the house—without a constant throb.
Many of these people have tried multiple therapies. Some have even had surgery in an attempt to fix the problem.
And when I start to watch how their body moves, I often find myself wondering…
Would their body have been better off without the surgery…and what if you didn’t need to go to an orthopedic surgeon and get cut open for your pain?
Now—don’t get me wrong. Surgery has its place. It can save lives. But there are also many situations where it might not be the first step.
If it’s a surgery you could delay for 10 weeks… what if you tried something different first?
What if you gave your body a chance to change?
Here are 5 simple steps (and most of them are free) things you can start doing right away:
1. Hydrate
In the book Sleep, Drink, Breathe by Michael Breus, PhD, he recommends:
• 32 oz of water before coffee
• 32 oz before lunch
• 32 oz before dinner
He also adjusts this for higher elevations and warmer temperatures (hello Colorado).
If you’re in pain, ask yourself: Am I actually hydrated?
Caffeine and sugary drinks don’t count.
When you hydrate well, you support circulation, lymphatic flow, and help decrease inflammation—making it easier for your body to move and feel better. *If your FASCIA is dehydrated, it takes 4-6 MONTHS for your FASCIA to rehydrate.
Hydration is your fountain of youth! HYDRATE!!!!
2. Manage Stress
Stress can wreak havoc throughout your entire system.
A simple daily practice—breathing, yoga, or even a few minutes of quiet—can go a long way in helping your body settle and recover.
It’s so simple, the problem is we don’t take time to get quiet. Even though this is free and EASY, this might be one of the hardest tools to manage. Spotify has a BUNCH of free meditations also Joe Dispenza has some really nice meditations for a reasonable price or free on Spotify/youtube:
3. Check Your Workspace
Your setup matters more than you think.
If you’re at a desk often, small changes can make a big difference.
You can refer back to last week’s email or my YouTube video for more guidance here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/1AseGoTIMV0?si=RTQDtKhHg2ExSjaB
4. Move it or Lose it!!!
Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking daily.
Walking can be incredibly powerful for chronic pain—especially when you bring awareness to how you move. If there is a part of your body that hurts get SPECIFIC playing with your toe-hinge and hip walk- for those of you who’ve done movement work with me will know how to do this. Another great movement resource are Feldenkrais movements- YouTube has a zillion free classes, and: FeldenkraisProject.com or click the button below.
5. Rolfing
Before surgery becomes your only option, give your body a real chance to change. A Rolfing 10-Series works at the root of your patterns, not just your symptoms. And helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to things you may not have done in years.
This isn’t just about avoiding surgery, it’s about aging comfortably, with more function, freedom, and vitality.
Seasonal Shifts:
As we move into the second quarter of the year, we also start to see a big seasonal shift.
We’re transitioning from winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hockey. And into summer activities like: trail running, hiking, dirt mountain biking, cycling, and rafting.
With this shift comes new demands on your body, and a perfect time to reset.
What habits are supporting you right now?
What routines could you start adding in?
Set your body up for the season ahead!
And if you’ve been doing all of these free things and still feel stuck…
Going through another Rolfing series, can be completely different from your first—and exactly what your body needs next.
As always, thank you so much for trusting me with your body.
Happy April. Stay hydrated, move well, connect with yourself, and enjoy what spring has to bring.
Warmly,
Katie Franzmann
