Welcome to “The PT Handbook!” This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world.
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. Reply to this email with questions!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: The Biggest Myth About Back Pain
Back hurts? Strengthen it, stop living in fear.
Back pain can be scary. I've had it, I actually had it for about 2 years. Everything, I had it, super tight back, sciatica into my foot....it sucked.
Your back hurts when you bend over, pick something up, or get out of bed. You feel broken.
But you're not.
So naturally, most people assume something must be damaged. I even did an MRI, and there was nothing truly significant the spine surgeon explained to me. He said, well you're a PT… so rehab it. And I did.
One of the biggest myths with back pain is that something is unbearably damaged. I am proof that is not true, and countless patients I've seen with back pain. And I feel great now :)
The truth is that pain and damage are not always the same thing. If they were, every paper cut would be unbearable and every serious injury would hurt immediately.
But that's not how the body works. Pain is your body's alarm system.
And like any alarm system, it can become more sensitive than necessary.
That's why some people have significant findings on an MRI and no pain at all. It's also why someone can experience severe back pain even when nothing serious is going on. Just like me...
This doesn't mean your pain isn't real. It absolutely is.
But it does mean that pain alone doesn't tell us the whole story.
One of the biggest mistakes people make after back pain starts is avoiding movement completely.
They stop bending.
They stop lifting.
They stop exercising.
The problem is that the body adapts to what it does consistently. The less you move, the less prepared your body becomes to handle movement when you return to it.
In many cases, the goal isn't to avoid movement.
It's to gradually rebuild confidence, strength, and tolerance to load. And I did that, and still do. And again, my back feels great :)
Movement is often part of the solution…..not the problem. Don't forget that. And yup, as we all know in today's "modern" world, movement/exercise quite literally is medicine.
One final thought…
Most people spend a lot of time looking for the perfect exercise, stretch, or treatment for back pain.
But the biggest improvements often come from consistently getting the basics right. Moving regularly. Strength training. Getting enough sleep. Eating enough protein. Managing stress.
The boring stuff tends to work surprisingly well. If you're looking to improve those foundations, I partner with Thorne because they're committed to quality, third-party testing, and evidence-based formulations. I love their creatine and multivitamin 🙂
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THE TAKEAWAY:
Just because something hurts doesn't automatically mean you're causing damage. Pain is information.
The key is learning how to respond to it....not fear it. Living in fear of anything is no way to live.
Got back pain? Hit the “contact us” link below!😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below! We talk overtraining and how our egos can get in the way with training. We should have a new one within the next 2 weeks as well. Enjoy😃
👉 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.
Having pain or have a nagging injury? Book below:
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Peace,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body