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!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: Stretching Won’t Fix You
You stretch. You foam roll. You try to “loosen up”……but you still feel tight.
If that sounds familiar, well then you’re not alone. And the issue usually isn’t what you think. For some reason a common thing I hear from new clients is “I need to stretch more.” I mean, I guess but modern exercise science thinks otherwise. This isn’t the 1970’s anymore. Let me explain…
Stretching is overrated.
Tight doesnt always mean short…..most people assume: “Tight muscle = I need to stretch it.” But that’s not always true. A lot of the time, that “tight” feeling is your body’s way of saying:
“I don’t feel stable or strong here.”
Stretching can help temporarily and you’ll often feel better right after.
But that relief usually doesn’t stick.
Why? Because you didn’t change the reason your body felt tight in the first place.
Stop stretching and start loading/controlling.
In many cases, tightness is more about:
The nervous system
Lack of strength or control
Poor load tolerance
Your body creates tension to protect you. Not to limit you. Instead of only stretching, think about and practice these things:
Build strength through full range
Improve control of the movement
Gradually increase load
That’s what creates lasting change.
Recovery is also a big piece of this puzzle. If you are under recovered you’re body can be in a constant state of tension. Your body also needs the right inputs to adapt.
Sleep
Nutrition
Hydration
Stress management
Micronutrients can support recovery and tissue health, especially when training consistently. That’s one reason I recommend Thorne supplements. They’re third-party tested and clinically dosed, which matters when you’re trying to support performance long term.
CLICK HERE to grab the multivitamin and creatine monohydrate which I personally use and recommend to my athlete clients. Use my link and get 10% off 🙂
Still unsure about why you feel tight? Reply to this email or hit the link below to “contact us”😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below. Ramy is a boxing/MMA coach and also does self defense workshops internationally. We talk about why we hate resolutions for a new year and strategies to stay in the gym. Subscribe to my channel and watch below!
👉 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?
PEACE,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body