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” 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 the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), tell us your story with the link below!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: 10 Things PT’s Wish Athletes Would Stop Doing
While I wrote this for athletes, I often say all this stuff also applies to the general population. Anyways, stop doing these 10 things… yes YOU… and you’ll reduce your injury risk, recover faster and overall perform better.
Skipping Warm-Ups- A proper warm-up isn’t optional. It prepares your muscles, joints, and nervous system for the load ahead. Even 5 minutes (I suggest more usually) of movement + ramp-up sets can prevent injuries and improve performance.
Training Through Sharp Pain- Discomfort is normal…. joint pain is a warning sign. Ignoring it often turns a minor issue into a long-term injury. See a qualified physical therapist aka me if you need help knowing what type of pain you have.
Copying Exercises From Social Media- Not every TikTok or YouTube exercise is right for you. Rehab and strength work should be personalized…. your body, your plan.
Blaming “Tightness” Instead of Weakness- Most “tight” muscles are actually weak or underactive. Stretching alone won’t fix it, build strength in the restricted range.
Only Training the Muscles You Can See- Chest and arms are easy…posterior chain and core stability often get neglected. Weak stabilizers increase injury risk and reduce performance.
Train smart and live to fight another day….
Waiting Until They’re Broken to Seek Help- Early intervention is key. See a licensed physical therapist at the first sign of pain to prevent chronic issues.
Max Lifts When Exhausted- Fatigue + heavy load = poor technique = higher injury risk. Prioritize recovery and training smart, not just heavy.
Neglecting Sleep- Your body repairs muscles, tissues, and joints while you sleep. Poor sleep equals slower recovery, more soreness, reduced performance.
Relying on Recovery Tools Instead of Real Recovery- Ice baths, massage guns, and compression boots feel nice…. but they don’t replace sleep, proper nutrition, and load management.
Piling on Volume Randomly/Super Long Training Sessions- More reps, more sets, more intensity… until something breaks. Progressive overload is a method, not a guessing game.
Smarter progressions with training and proper recovery is the perfect balance..
PT Takeaway- Avoid these common mistakes and thank me later. Physical therapy isn’t just treatment, it’s a blueprint for long-term athletic success
Know someone who keeps making these mistakes? Forward this newsletter to them and help them stay injury free🙂:
I am also doing free screenings every month at “Sweep the Sheds Weightlifting and Performance” in Naperville for the foreseeable future. I will be doing them next time on December 18th at 5:30 pm (Thursday). So reply to this email if you’d like one!
Lastly, check out myself and Coach Ramy (combat sports coach) had a Halloween podcast a while back! We talk about coaching athletes and how to build mental resilience for competition. Watch below:
Need help with aches or pains? 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 and appreciate your feedback. Yes I really read everything lol.
Adios,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy - Athlete-level care for every active body