PT Handbook: Your Alignment and Getting "Adjusted"

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: Your Alignment and Posture Aren’t That Important

Let’s keep going with back pain on this week’s newsletter 😃. Mainly, let’s talk about misconceptions and things healthcare people say that aren’t backed by science. It’s in the title in case you couldn’t tell.

Anyways, back pain is one of the most common complaints worldwide, yet misconceptions about the spine persist. Contrary to popular belief, no one has a perfectly symmetrical or “aligned” spine, and the idea that chiropractic or manipulative therapy can “re-align” it is misleading. While spinal adjustments may provide pain relief or improve mobility, they don’t actually shift bones back into place (ask chatgpt if you don’t believe me). More importantly, experiencing back pain doesn’t mean your spine is damaged. Over 80% of people will deal with low back pain at some point, and in most cases, it resolves within six weeks without too much treatment.

The best way to combat back pain isn’t to chase a perfect posture or worry about misalignment, but rather to load and move the spine in a way that builds resilience. Movement, strength training, and gradual exposure to load help the spine adapt and function better. Instead of fearing pain, we should focus on staying active and strengthening the body to support long-term spinal health. If you’re struggling with back pain, remember: motion is medicine, and your spine is more robust than you think.

Lastly, while back pain usually resolves on it’s own, you still want to build strength so it won’t come back. This applies to any joint. And remember the structure of your body isn’t the final straw when it comes to pain. This also applies to any joint or any type of pain. Stop thinking so anatomically or structurally when it comes to pain. It’s outdated and it’s lazy. If this were true, everyone I see at the hospital after surgery (I work at a hospital too as a physical therapist) would feel great right after surgery. Structurally they’re “fixed” but pain can last for weeks or months. Just food for thought 😄 

PS- This week I record a solo podcast on this topic and to further talk about the state of physical therapy and it’s role in healthcare. So be sure to subscribe below. Also, I have some live episodes I’m excited about in the future. Subscribe below!

https://www.youtube.com/@theartofwellnesspod

Now get out there and stop being afraid of pain,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com