PT Handbook: Pain Signals Change

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes exercise lovers and the everyday athlete. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com

PT Handbook Conversation: Pain Signals Change

This week I wanted to talk more about personal experience than anything too scientific on this week’s post. In my 6-7 years of being a clinician and helping people in physical pain, I always get patients who are frustrated or simply mad a life for what happened. I’ve often told them, this is your chance to take a step back and work on other areas while we rehab your pain/injury.

Relating this to me, I remember working in corporate healthcare at the usual corporate clinic (insert cookie cutter PT clinic name here) and feeling tired all the time, stressed and burned out. Eventually this manifested into back pain, fairly bad back pain. I remember twisting to grab something for a patient one day and severe back pain ensued. I had sciatica (nerve pain down my leg) and pain in my back constantly at 28-29 years old. I even had an MRI showing a disc bulge. I knew something needed to change.

Long story short, I eventually quit that job, started sleeping better, started my own practice and made more time for my friends/family. I also was fairly diligent with rehabbing my back for a year or two and eventually the pain was gone. I have not had it since. This was 4 years ago now. In fact, I feel better than ever at 35. The point of this email is to realize that pain can tell you things. It can even tell you to change how you live your life.

That job definitely put me in a state of distress and completely ruined my sleep patterns/social life. I was already in pain, just not physically. I think that eventual back pain was just the cherry on top to tell me to change my current situation. And I tell this to patients frequently. See what else is going on in your life. While you’re in the process of healing, also heal other areas of your life. Trust me, you’ll find something. Dig deep, rebuild yourself in all areas. And I promise, your physical body will reflect how you feel in on the inside. That’s how to human body works.

PS

If you haven’t checked out my podcast “The Art of Wellness” check it out below. The latest episode is linked. If you have suggestions on anything or topics you’d like me to cover, let me know.

Talk soon,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com