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 & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC” where our patient population includes athletes and active individuals.
This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about this newsletter reply to this email! Or if need help with a sports injury, schedule a virtual consult using the “contact us” link below!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: How To Tell the Difference Between Normal Soreness and an Injury
Sore… or Actually Injured? Most active people and even high level athletes get this wrong.
They feel pain after a workout and assume:
“It’s just soreness.”
Sometimes that’s true. Sometimes it’s not. Here’s the difference I teach my patients EVERY DAY:

Are you sore or are you actually hurt?
Soreness:
-Feels symmetrical
-Shows up 24–48 hours after training
-Improves as you warm up
-Doesn’t change how you move
Injury warning signs:
-Sharp or pinpoint pain
-Pain that gets worse as you move
-Swelling/joint stiffness/numbness/tingling/shooting pains
-You start compensating or moving differently
If it affects your movement or keeps getting worse, it’s a signal your body needs attention...not “just soreness.”

Read the differences again right above this pic…
The good news? Most issues can be avoided if you listen early and support recovery. YOU NEED TO:
Sleep enough to rebuild
Hydrate and fuel properly
Eat adequate protein
Manage training load
Micronutrients also play a role in tissue repair, stress tolerance, and overall recovery. That’s why I trust Thorne supplements. They are third-party tested and clinically dosed.
I personally use their multivitamin everyday (basic nutrients multivitamin). Find it with my link HERE and get 10% off!
Key takeaway:
Soreness is normal. Injury is feedback.
Learning the difference early prevents setbacks and keeps you training stronger, longer.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Final warning.
Still unsure about your pain? Contact me below 😊
My podcast is back. The newest episode is below! My YouTube channel will be blowing up soon. I promise 🙂 I will be much more active on YouTube so stay tuned 😉
👉 Check out Thorne supplements HERE and get 10% off your first order!
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or trust as a PT. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am a Thorne/Legion supplements ambassador and trust their products.
Are you an athlete or active adult that can’t get over an injury? Book below:
Enjoying The PT Handbook? We’d love to hear what you think! Hit reply and let us know 😄 Did this newsletter help? I read every message !Yes I really read everything lol.
Peace,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body

