Spring into Movement
As the snow melts and days get longer, our community naturally shifts toward increased activity, whether that’s returning to running trails, spring sports, yard work, or outdoor recreation. While this seasonal transition is exciting, it also brings a spike in overuse injuries and activity-related strain.
At Tahoe Forest Health System, our Sports Medicine and Therapy teams are here to support safe, sustainable movement, whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or simply getting back into daily routines.
Provider Spotlight
Maya Shaanan
Occupational Therapist
Maya is an occupational therapist who earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Charlestown, MA.
She brings a diverse clinical background, having worked across acute care, acute inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and outpatient pediatric settings. Her career has taken her to several regions across the country, including Salem, MA; Twin Falls, ID; and San Francisco, CA, enriching her perspective and adaptability as a clinician.
Maya has pursued advanced training in pediatrics, with specialized coursework in sensory processing, inclusion, universal design for learning, as well as infant and child feeding. She has also completed additional study in adult neurological rehabilitation, including brain injury and stroke recovery, and has completed a certified neuro specialist course to further deepen her expertise in this area.
In the clinic, Maya works with both children and adults, supporting individuals with developmental needs and those recovering from neurological events.
Outside of work, Maya enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, exploring new restaurants, and finding her ski legs on the mountain.
Contact info
Tahoe Forest Sports Medicine & Therapy Services
10710 Donner Pass Road, 2nd floor, Truckee, CA 96161
Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
10051 Lake Avenue, Ste. 3, Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 587-7461 | tfhd.com/orthopedics
Incline Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
880 Alder Ave, 2nd Floor, Incline Village, NV 89451
Featured Therapy
Occupational therapy in action
When people think of therapy, they often think of rehab after injury, but Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a key role in helping individuals return to meaningful daily activities safely and efficiently.
OT often focuses on
- Upper extremity injuries from increased activity (gardening, lifting, biking)
- Ergonomic strategies for yard work and home projects
- Return-to-activity planning after winter inactivity or injury
Common spring OT focus areas
- Wrist and hand strain from tools (rakes, shovels, pruning shears)
- Shoulder pain from repetitive overhead motion
- Grip strength and coordination for functional tasks
Pro Tip from OT
Alternate tasks every 20–30 minutes and use tools with ergonomic grips to reduce strain on joints and tendons.
Injury Prevention Corner
Hand & upper extremity health for summer activities
As we transition into late spring and summer, activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, paddle sports, and outdoor projects place increased demand on the hands, wrists, and shoulders. These activities are great for strength and endurance, but they also come with a higher risk of overuse and acute hand injuries.
Common injuries seen in summer
- Finger pulley strains/tears (common in climbing)
- Wrist tendinitis from repetitive gripping (biking, paddling)
- Hand/finger sprains or jams
- Elbow pain (lateral/medial epicondylitis)
How occupational therapy helps
- Occupational Therapists specialize in hand and upper extremity function, helping patients safely return to both sport and daily activities. OT can provide:
- Custom splinting or bracing for protection and healing
- Targeted strengthening programs for grip and stability
- Movement retraining to reduce strain and improve technique
- Activity modification strategies to keep you active while recovering
Prevention tips
- Warm up your hands and wrists before activity (yes, really)
- Build grip strength gradually—avoid sudden increases in intensity
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Use proper equipment and technique (especially in climbing and biking)
Pro tip from OT
If you feel a “twinge” or sharp pain in your fingers or wrist during activity, don’t push through it. Early intervention can prevent a minor strain from becoming a long-term injury.
Ask the experts Q&A
Q: Why does my shoulder hurt after yard work, even if I don’t feel injured?
A: Repetitive movements, especially overhead or forceful gripping, can irritate tendons and muscles that haven’t been used much over the winter. This is often early tendinitis. Rest, ice, and modifying activity can help, but persistent pain should be evaluated.
Q: How is Occupational Therapy different from Physical Therapy?
A: While both focus on movement and recovery, OT emphasizes functional tasks and daily activities, like dressing, cooking, working, or recreational tasks, while PT often focuses more on mobility, strength, and overall physical performance. In Sports Medicine, they often work together.
Q: When should I seek care vs. wait it out?
A: If pain:
- Lasts more than 5–7 days
- Worsens with activity
- Limits your normal routine
…it’s worth getting evaluated early to prevent a more serious issue.
