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. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service. Not like the big corporate physical therapy companies.
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 & Performance Physical Therapy LLC- Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: Myths & Misconceptions of Back Pain
There is an epidemic of back pain worldwide, and no one seems to care. Instead, we get overprescribed pain medications and unnecessary back surgeries. Don’t believe me? Ask chatgpt 🫠
Regardless, low back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss workouts, skip training, or even avoid daily activities. People become afraid of their back pain, especially after a bad episode of it. But here’s the truth: a lot of what you’ve heard about back pain is outdated. And the vicious cycle of it can be broken. Let’s bust a few myths:
Back Pain is a Worldwide Epidemic
3 Back Pain Myths You Shouldn’t Believe:
❌ “Rest is best” — Who even still says this?… Gentle movement helps blood flow, reduces stiffness, and speeds up recovery. Your PT (or work with me) should be able to prescribe SAFE (WE WON’T HURT YOU MORE) and effective exercises for this.
❌ “Pain means damage” — Pain is often more about sensitivity of the nervous system than actual injury to the spine. My favorite back pain statistic? Up to 90% of back pain is “non-specific” aka there is no structural sign on an MRI or image that makes the spine specialist/ortho say “this is why you have back pain.” Weird right? Eh, not really if you understand the nervous system a bit more.
❌ “You’ll never get rid of it” — With the right strategies, most back pain episodes improve significantly within weeks. It can and will resolve, and it resolves faster with skilled physical therapy. Key word being “skilled” and your physical therapist should be able to fortify your back to help prevent future episodes (aka prehab).
Back Pain in Multidimensional
The Reality? Back pain isn’t just structural, it’s multidimensional, influenced by stress, sleep, mindset, and activity levels, not just bones and muscles. That’s why the most effective approach addresses the whole person, not just the spine.
Takeaway: Your back is strong, movement is medicine, and recovery happens when we look at the full picture, body and mind.
☺ And if back pain has been slowing you down, let’s fix it. Book a FREE virtual session with me and start moving with confidence again. Even one focused session can help you understand your back pain and get you moving again, don’t wait until it gets worse.
Want the full breakdown? In my next podcast episode (“The Art of Wellness”), I dive deep into these myths and share practical, science-backed ways to rethink back pain. It should be out next week sometime.
👉 Make sense? If not, reply to this email. I'd love to hear from you!
Also, check out my latest podcast with combat sports coach, Ramy Daoud. We get deep on many life topics. My podcast expanding on this newsletter will be out in about a week. If you have any topics you want covered just respond to this email!
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.
Talk soon,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy LLC