Better Days Physical Therapy and Wellness

12/22/2025

Meet Carson!

A formally very active young adult, looking to get back to his active life.

As a former collegiate athlete, he was used to pushing through lots of pain. He went through his first back surgery in 2023, but his pain quickly returned. In July 2025 he went in for another back surgery. He knew he would do whatever it took to make his back invincible following the second surgery.

From not being able to bend forward and touch his knees, to being able to Jefferson curl with a weighted barbell.

From being able to only do one single leg bridge, to being able to do 20.

From being fearful to return to weightlifting, to lifting 225 pounds.

From not being able to golf, to golfing 4 to 5 times a week.

This is what dedication looks like.

If you can relate, we want to help! It’s a two-way process. We can help you, but it takes time and commitment on your end. Let’s work together to get you better and back to doing what you love.

P:231-268-0401
W: BetterDaysPhysicalTherapy.com

12/19/2025

Come join us as we get excited for the 100 mile challenge in January!

Ready to crush your goals in 2026?

Join us at Fleet Feet Downtown TC on Sunday, December 28th from 1–2pm for our 100 Miles in January pop-up event! Whether you run, walk, bike, xc ski - we’re here to help you start the year STRONG

We are so very excited to be collaborating with Corey from Fleet Feet Traverse City and Dr. Sara Gartland from Better Days Physical Therapy and Wellness

Let’s pick your challenge, get signed up, and get moving!

12/19/2025

Still looking for that last minute gift? 🎁

This is it!

Movement Assessments include a full body assessment and balance, strength and reactivity are all measured with state of the art technology giving you the most accurate results!

Now through January 16th, this assessment is on sale for only $100. Sign up today online or give us a call to get scheduled!

P: 231-268-0401
W: BetterDaysPhysicalTherapy.com

12/17/2025

Did any surprise you?

At Better Days, we focus on updated research and consider the entire body (yes, that pesky nervous system plays a BIG factor).

My biggest takeaway is:
1. Think positive
2. Know that you can get better!

12/14/2025

Tis the season! Happy Holidays! 🎄

12/12/2025

Do you have an FSA account? If so, now is the time to use up any $$ that you have sitting in it. Most FSA accounts expire at the end of the year meaning if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!

If you’ve been putting off any aches and pains, now may be the time to get it checked out.

Or if you were looking to start a new workout routine in 2026, get baseline testing with state of the art technology (an added bonus, this is currently on sale for only $100.).

And YES! You can use your FSA to pay for these!

Interested in learning more? Give us a call. We’d love to help!

P: 231-268-0401

12/01/2025

The holiday season is here! 🎄

Enjoy $50 off your Movement Assessment, when scheduled between December 1st and January 16th.

This 60 minute full body assessment is performed using force plates and handheld dynamometers to provide the most accurate assessment of balance and strength!

Head to our website to get signed up or give us a call at 231-268-0401.

11/24/2025

There’s only 1 spot left! If this is something you are interested in, sign up now to claim the last open spot! ☺️

Ready to boost your confidence in the gym this winter? 💪

Join our 4-class lifting series designed to help you master the most common barbell and dumbbell movements.

Whether you’re new to lifting or just want to refine your form, this series will give you the tools — and confidence — to step into the weight room and lift safely and effectively.

By the end, you’ll not only know what to do, but you’ll feel empowered doing it!

Sign up now as limited spots are available!
Visit BetterDaysPhysicalTherapy.com to join!

11/17/2025

Low Back Pain! Don’t let it stop you!

Here are a few of my favorites to give when working with new patients struggling to move due to low back pain.

11/14/2025

Why guess when we can test?

Whether you’re having pain and looking for a rehab plan to get you out of pain or you have a big event coming up (marathon, bike race, soccer tournament) and you want to find your areas of limitation to address as you train, this is for you!

Each of our assessments includes technology that provides specific details about your muscle strength and movement. Why guess when we can test?

P: 231-268-0401

11/10/2025

It’s been a while and there’s many new faces around here so…. 👋

Hello! I’m Dr. Sara Gartland physical therapist and owner of Better Days Physical Therapy and Wellness.

I am a native to Traverse City, MI and moved back after finishing graduate school. Better Days was started with the goal of helping our active community remain active and pain free for life. Once you are a client at Better Days, you are part of the family. When hiccups come up, you have a go to person for all things movement related. If you are an active teen or adult, Better Days is the choice for you!

A little about me:
-I love a daily walk, but also like to lift heavy weights. 🏋️
-If you have a dog, please tell me all about them. I LOVE dogs. 🐶
-I married my high school sweetheart. ❤️
-I’ve never been the best at any sport, but love trying everything! 🏃🏼‍♀️

If you’re looking for a local physical therapist who cares about not only relieving your pain, but keeping you active, give me a call. I’d love to help. ☺️

11/07/2025

Shoulder pain is no fun!

These exercises focus on stabilization through your shoulder, but the key is doing them slow and controlled!

If any movements cause pain, decrease the range of motion or use a lighter band!

Still struggling? Give us a call.

P: 231-268-0401
W: betterdaysphysicaltherapy.com